St. William of York

St. William of York - June 8th

William Fitzherbert was born in England and was the nephew of King Stephen. As a young man, he was rather easy-going and even a bit lazy. He was very popular with the people of his city of York, however, and years later, when their archbishop died, he was elected to take his place. In those times princes used to interfere in the election of the bishops. This is why many priests did not think William had been properly chosen, since it was his uncle, the King, who had appointed him. Even the great St. Bernard persuaded the Pope to make someone else Archbishop of York. Poor William! Sent away and humiliated, he went to live with his uncle, a bishop, and would not accept any of the comforts his uncle offered him. He was a very different man now.

The people of York were angry at what had happened and there were fights between them and those who did not want William. But the Saint kept praying for peace for six years, and his prayers were answered. When the other archbishop died, the Pope sent William back to York, to the immense happiness of all the people. But he was an old man by this time, and one month later, he died.

St. William silently suffered all the accusations made against him, even though he did not deserve them. This teaches us to take corrections well.