Saint of the day: William of Vercelli

St. William of Vercelli was born in the 11th century. HIs parents died shortly after he was born, and he was raised by relatives. When he was 14, William made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, and became a hermit.

He lived for two years at Monte Solicoli, where he is said to have healed a blind man. He then lived in Monte Vergiliano, where many disciples traveled to study under him. In 1119, he established a monastery based on the Benedictines.

William died in 1142.