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"THIS saint was of noble parentage, but the lustre of his virtues far exceeded that of his birth. These virtues, which as he grew up became more and more conspicuous in him, recommended him, after he had received holy orders, to be elected treasurer in the church of York. But the saint, who thought no treasure so valuable as that which is laid up in heaven by works of mercy to the poor, was ever solicitous to convey his wealth into their hands.

On the death of the archbishop of York, St. William was elected to that dignity; but another was preferred before him, through the opposition of the archdeacon Osbert, a turbulent and factious man. St. William patiently endured this repulse, and quietly withdrew to his uncle, the bishop of Winchester, with whom he remained seven years, leading a retired and mortified life, in much fasting, watching, and prayer. He abhorred the pomps of the world, and employed his time in bewailing his sins, and extinguishing the flames of divine justice by penitential tears. He lived in great silence, his behavior was full of calmness and tranquillity: no vain words or superfluous discourse interrupted his divine contemplation. He had ever before his eyes the memory of heaven and hell, and of the strict account to be given at the last day. He restrained his appetite within the bounds of necessity, and allowed nothing to sensuality: and if sometimes he was obliged to admit of visits, his conversation and very countenance were so graceful and amiable, as to appear to have more of an angel than of a man.

The see of York being again vacant, after seven years, St. William was again chosen archbishop. As he proceeded to York, he was received with incredible joy by his people. The great numbers who assembled on that occasion to see and welcome him, broke down the wooden bridge over the river Ouse, in the middle of the city, and many persons, of all ages, especially children, fell into the river. The saint, seeing this terrible accident, earnestly implored with tears the divine mercy, and made the sign of the cross over the river. Every one ascribed to his sanctity and prayers the miraculous preservation of the whole multitude, who all escaped out of the waters without hurt.

St. William formed many great projects for the good of his diocese; but within a few weeks he was seized with a fever, of which he died on the 8th of June, 1154. Pray for your country: and learn from this saint to love humility and retirement rather than dignities and honours, as being most favourable to the great end of our creation, the salvation of our precious souls." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother