Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: February 10
When Saint William lived: 12th century AD (approx. 1100 - 1157)
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint William the Great, also known as William of Maleval, likely came from a noble French family and initially led a worldly life as a soldier. After a profound conversion, he undertook pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem before finally committing himself to asceticism. He withdrew to the isolated region of Malavalle in Tuscany, where he lived as a strict hermit in prayer and penance. His reputation as a holy man and founder of the Williamites spread rapidly through his virtues and miracles. William died on February 10, 1157, in his hermitage, and remains revered as a model of complete renunciation of the world and devotion to God.
PATRONAGE:
St. William is the patron saint of gunsmiths and is invoked for assistance against spiritual trials and the temptations of evil.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of Saint William are the hermit's habit with a hood and a simple cloak as a sign of his asceticism, and a book representing the spiritual life and the monastic rule. A dragon lying at his feet symbolizes victory over evil and the temptations overcome during his time in solitude. The walking stick or pilgrim's staff refers to his long journeys and his life as a pilgrim of God.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Wilhelm, Willhelm, Willi, Wilhelmme, Willy, Will, William, Bill, Billy, Liam, Guglielmo, Memo, Elmo, Guillaume, Guy, Guillermo, Guglielmo, Guille, Vilhelm, Ville, Viljo, Wilson, Wilke, Wilko, Wim, Helmo, Guliem.