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| Saint William, Pray for us! |
Early Life and Background
Saint William of Rochester, also known as Saint William of Perth, was born in Perth, Scotland, in the 12th century. A baker by trade, William was known for his piety and generosity, regularly giving away a significant portion of his baked goods to the poor. Despite leading a simple life, he was devoted to his faith, often attending daily Mass and actively participating in the sacraments.
Pilgrimage and Martyrdom
Driven by his deep faith, William embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, a journey of spiritual significance for many Christians of his time. During his travels, he was accompanied by a boy named David, whom he had found abandoned and adopted as his son.
While traveling to Canterbury, one of the pilgrimage sites on their way to the Holy Land, William and David reached Rochester, in Kent. Tragically, it was here that William met his martyrdom. His adopted son David, motivated by greed, attacked William and left him for dead. According to tradition, William was struck on the head and then his body was concealed in the nearby woods.
Miraculous Discovery and Canonization
After William's murder, his body was discovered by a woman who had been led to the spot by a vision. The local populace soon learned of the miracle, and William’s reputation as a martyr quickly grew. His body was taken to Rochester Cathedral, where he was buried, and numerous miracles were reported at his tomb.
William's martyrdom and the subsequent miracles attributed to his intercession led to his canonization. He was declared a saint by popular acclamation, and his feast day is celebrated on May 23rd.
Veneration and Legacy
Saint William of Rochester became the patron saint of adopted children and foundlings, reflecting his act of kindness in adopting David. His shrine at Rochester Cathedral became a site of pilgrimage, attracting many who sought his intercession.