William of Maleval
William of Maleval was a French Roman Catholic hermit and the founder of the Hermits of Saint William. Known for his piety and righteous conduct, he was beatified by Pope Innocent III. He is chiefly remembered for establishing a religious order that later became part of the Augustinians.
- Feast Day
- February 10
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›William of Maleval was a Frenchman and a Roman Catholic.
- ›He founded the Hermits of Saint William, an early branch of the Hermits of Saint Augustine.
- ›Pope Innocent III beatified him on may 8, 1202.
- ›He spent some years in dissolute military life before becoming a hermit.
- ›He retired to the desert valley of Stabulum Rodis, later known as Maleval, in 1155.
- ›He died on February 10, 1157.
William the Hermit, William the Great, Guillaume de Malavalle
Castiglione Della Pescaia
Hermits of Saint William, Augustinians
About William of Maleval
William of Maleval, also known by the epithets William the Hermit or William the Great, was a French Roman Catholic figure of the 12th century. He is primarily recognized as the founder of the Hermits of Saint William, an early branch that later became integrated into the Hermits of Saint Augustine.
Life and Historical Context
Born a Frenchman, William's early life involved a period of military service followed by years of dissolute living. A significant turning point in his life was an alleged interview with Pope Eugene III in Rome, who is said to have ordered him to undertake a pilgrimage to Jerusalem as penance for his sins. While the details of this papal encounter are subject to historical scrutiny, his subsequent pilgrimage to Jerusalem is supported by liturgical texts associated with his feast day. He spent one to two years in Jerusalem before returning to Tuscany around 1153.
Upon his return, William alternated between living as a hermit and as a member of religious communities. His initial hermit life was spent in a wood near Pisa. He was persuaded to lead a monastery but found little success in reforming the monks, leading him to retire. He eventually settled in 1155 in a valley known as Stabulum Rodis, which later became known as Maleval, located in the territory of Castiglione della Pescaia. It was here that his disciple Albert joined him.
William of Maleval died on February 10, 1157. His reputation for piety and righteous conduct contributed to the spread of his cult throughout Tuscany shortly after his death. He was beatified by Pope Innocent III on May 8, 1202, and canonized in the same year.
Legacy and Veneration
Following William's death, two of his followers established the Order of Saint William, which eventually merged with the Augustinians. William is venerated as the patron saint of Castiglione della Pescaia. The Augustinians honor him by naming several parishes in the Philippines after him, including the Parish of St. William of Maleval in Passi City, Iloilo, and San Guillermo de Maleval Parish in Iponan, Cagayan de Oro.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William of Maleval?
William of Maleval was a French Roman Catholic hermit and the founder of the Hermits of Saint William. He is also known as William the Hermit or William the Great.
When was William of Maleval beatified?
Pope Innocent III beatified William of Maleval on May 8, 1202. His feast day is celebrated on February 10.
What religious order did William of Maleval found?
William of Maleval founded the Hermits of Saint William, which was an early branch of the Hermits of Saint Augustine. After his death, his followers formed the Order of Saint William, which later joined the Augustinians.
Where did William of Maleval live?
William of Maleval was born in France. He later lived in Tuscany, Italy, and established his hermitage in the desert valley of Stabulum Rodis, which became known as Maleval.
What is William of Maleval remembered for?
William of Maleval is remembered for his Catholic piety and righteous conduct. He is also known as the founder of a religious order that eventually became part of the Augustinians.
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