Saint William of York, born around 1110, serves as a profound example of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. He was the son of Herbert, Chancellor to King Henry I, and thus enjoyed a privileged upbringing. Ordained as a priest, William’s piety and dedication led to his election as Archbishop of York in 1141. However, his path was fraught with challenges.
Despite his legitimate election, political intrigue and opposition arose, mainly from the Cistercians, led by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. This opposition led to allegations of simony and unchastity against William, causing his election to be annulled by Pope Innocent II. Rather than succumb to despair, William accepted his fate and retreated to Winchester, living a life of quiet prayer and service.
Remarkably, in 1153, with the support of the new Pope, Anastasius IV, William was reinstated as Archbishop of York. His return was short-lived, as he passed away in 1154, likely due to poisoning. Despite his turbulent episcopacy, William’s legacy endured, and he was canonized in 1227 by Pope Honorius III.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Perseverance in Adversity: Despite facing severe opposition and false accusations, William remained steadfast in his faith and duties. His life teaches us to persist in our faith, even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges.Lesson 2: Forgiveness and Humility: William accepted his wrongful deposition with grace and did not harbor resentment. His humility and readiness to forgive those who wronged him are powerful reminders of the importance of forgiveness in our own lives.
Prayer
O gracious Saint William, you faced trials and opposition with unwavering faith and humility. Intercede for us, that we may find strength in adversity and embrace a spirit of forgiveness towards those who wrong us. Help us to remain faithful to God’s will, trusting in His divine plan. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Medard and Gildard (560), BishopsSt. Clodulf of MetzBl. Pacificus of Cerano
image: Stained glass of William of York, photo by Fr. Lawrence Lew, OP / Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
