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William was born in the year of Our Lord 1085, to a noble northern Italian family. At the age of fourteen, in a single tunic, a heavy chain, and bare feet, the pious youth undertook the famed pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. After returning to Italy, William spent some time as a hermit, but when he gained attention for working a miracle, he tried to leave on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. God intervened and directed the saint to begin what became the monastery of Montevergine, near Benevento. He founded several other monasteries, and continued to work miracles. While William was plowing one day, a wolf appeared and killed his donkey; William immediately ordered the wolf to take the donkey’s place, and the wolf tamely obeyed. When William traveled to advise King Roger the Great of Sicily, a courtesan attempted to seduce him; in response the holy abbot spread burning coals on the ground and lay atop them, though he remained unharmed. Hearing of this miracle, King Roger had a monastery built near his palace so that William could stay close by. William died in Campania in the year of Our Lord 1142. The Williamites, as his monks were known, eventually merged into a larger Benedictine order.
IN the territory of Guletto, near Nusco, St. William, confessor, founder of the hermits of Mount Vergine.
At Beraea, the birthday of St. Sosipater, disciple of the blessed apostle Paul.
At Rome, St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, with twenty-two others.
At Alexandria, St. Gallicanus, ex-consul and martyr, who had been honored with a triumph, and was held in affection by the emperor Constantine. Converted by Saints John and Paul, he withdrew to Ostia with St. Hilarinus, and devoted himself entirely to the duties of hospitality and to the service of the sick. The report of such an event spread through the whole world, and from all sides many persons came to see a man who had been a senator and consul, washing the feet of the poor, preparing their table, serving them, carefully waiting on the infirm, and performing other works of mercy. Driven from this place by Julian the Apostate, he repaired to Alexandria, where, for refusing to sacrifice to idols, at the command of the judge Raucian, he was put to the sword, and thus became a martyr of Christ.
At Sibapolis, in Syria, under the goveronr Lysimachus, in the persecution of Diocletian, St. Febronia, virgin and martyr, who was scourged and racked for defending her faith and her chastity, then torn with iron combs and exposed to fire. Finally, having her teeth plucked out and her breasts cut off, she was condemned to capital punishment, and went to her spouse adorned with her sufferings as with so many jewels.
At Besancon, in France, St. Antidius, bishop and martyr, who was killed by the Vandals for the faith of Christ. At Riez, St. Prosper of Aquitaine, bishop of that city, distinguished by his erudition and piety. He valiantly combated the Pelagians in defence of the Catholic faith.
At Turin, the birthday of St. Maximus, bishop and confessor, most celebrated for his learning and sanctity.
In Holland, St. Adelbert, confessor, disciple of the sainted bishop Willibrord.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.