Saints celebrated on the 8th of June
SAINT WILLIAM OF YORK, BISHOP
William Fitzherbert (Saint William of York), a relative of King Stephen of England, was Archbishop from 1141 to 1147 and from 1153 to 1154.
A RELATIVE OF KING STEPHEN
Born in the late 11th century, and ordained priest, he was Minster’s Treasurer at York before being elected Archbishop in 1141 by the majority of the Chapter. From the start, William faced opposition from the Cistercians, who after the election of the Cistercian Pope Eugene III, had William deposed in favour of the Cistercian Henry Murdac, the Abbot of Fountains Abbey.
PRAYER AND PENANCE
From 1147 until 1153, William settled at Winchester Cathedral Priory for a life of prayer and penance. St William's medieval biographer describes that, during this time, William “dyd great penaunce in hyghe scylence and quyet maners”.
THE MIRACLE AT OUSE BRIDGE
Following the deaths of both Murdac and Eugene III, he was recalled to York (in 1153). As he made his triumphant return to the city, he stopped at Ouse Bridge. So many people were crowded on the bridge that the structure collapsed. William stopped, prayed loudly and fervently, and miraculously, nobody got hurt.
WAS HE MARTYRED?
He did not hold the see long, dying shortly after his return, allegedly poisoned with the chalice he used to celebrate Mass. It is recorded that someone was accused of poisoning him - but the outcome of the investigation is lost to us.
PRAYERS AT HIS TOMB
The miracle at Ouse Bridge, coupled with various miracles attributed to his intercession after his death - especially following prayers at his tomb - led to him being canonised in 1227.
St William of York, pray for us.
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint William may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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