Saint William of Bourges was born in 1140 AD, in Nevers, Kingdom of France. He lived as the Archbishop of Bourges. He died on January 10 1209 AD, aged 59, in Bourges, Kingdom of France. His feast day is celebrated on January 10.
Saint William of Bourges Biography |
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| Date of Birth | 1140 AD |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | France |
| Matrimony/Holy Orders | Saints who were Bishops |
| Profession | Archbishop of Bourges |
| Place of Work | France |
| Date of Death | January 10 1209 |
| Place of Death | Bourges, France |
| Feast Day | January 10 |
| Beatification | Beatified by N/A |
| Canonization | Canonized by Pope Honorius III on May 17 1218 |
| Patron Saint of | University of Paris and Gunsmiths |
Saint William of Bourges’ Life History
William was born in 1140 AD, in Nevers, Kingdom of France, as Guillaume de Donjeon in a family of eight children; including him, Baudoin, Regnault, Ferry, Baudoin, Pierre, Guy and Eustachia, from Baudoin de Corbeil and Eustachia de Chatillion.
He received his education from Pierre, Archdeacon of Soissons, his uncle. He became canon of Soissons then in Paris. He was raised to see the vanity in worldly possessions and so went to join the Order of Grandmont though his father intended for him to join the army.
William moved to join the Cistercians and was then chosen prior at the Pontigny abbay. He also was chosen abbot of Fontaine- Jean Abbey in 1184 AD and later of Chaalis Abbey from 1187 to 1200 AD.
He was elected archbishop of Bourges after the death of his predecessor. He only accepted the appointment on command as he had declined it. He was so mindful of the poor and the sick and frequently visited them and also offered company to the imprisoned.
He lived a life full of austerities as it is said he abstained from meat and wore a hair shirt. He worked hard to complete the construction of the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Stephen.
He died on January 10 1209 AD, while preparing to go for missions among the Abigensians and was buried with his hair shirt on ashes as per his requests in his will and testament. Miracles occurred after his death at his tomb, about eighteen of them. same number of miracles that were said to have occurred while he was still alive.
Saint William of Bourges’ Birth
He was born in 1140 AD, in Nevers, Kingdom of France.
Saint William of Bourges’ Death
He died on January 10 1209 AD, aged 59, in Bourges, Kingdom of France.
Family Background
He was born in a family of eight children; including him, Baudoin, Regnault, Ferry, Baudoin, Pierre, Guy and Eustachia, from Baudoin de Corbeil and Eustachia de Chatillion.
Education
He received his education from Pierre, Archdeacon of Soissons.
Profession
He lived as the Archbishop of Bourges.
Saint William of Bourges’ Canonization
He was canonized on May 17 1218 AD by Pope Honorius III
Venerated in
He is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church.
Saint William of Bourges’ Feast Day
His feast day is celebrated on January 10.
Attributes
He is depicted with episcopal attire and as a Cistercian habit.
Saint William of Bourges is the Patron Saint of
He is the Patron saint of the University of Paris and Gunsmiths.
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