William Pinchon
William Pinchon was a French Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Saint-Brieuc from 1220 until his death in 1234. He is remembered as a champion for the poor and a staunch defender of the Church's rights against secular intervention, which led to his brief exile. His canonization was celebrated in 1247.
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›William Pinchon was born circa 1175 in Saint-Alban to peasant parents.
- ›He served as Bishop of Saint-Brieuc from 1220 until his death.
- ›He was known for defending Church rights and aiding the poor, selling his possessions in a famine to help them.
- ›He was exiled from his diocese in 1228 by Duke Peter I but returned in 1230.
- ›He began the construction of a new cathedral, which was ongoing at his death.
- ›His remains were found incorrupt in 1236.
Guillaume Pinchon
About William Pinchon
William Pinchon, also known as Guillaume Pinchon, was a French Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Saint-Brieuc from 1220 until his death on July 29, 1234. Born around 1175 in Saint-Alban to peasant parents Oliver Pinchon and Jane Fortin, he dedicated his life to both spiritual and charitable works.
Life and Ministry
Pinchon's early ecclesiastical training began in Saint-Brieuc, where he received minor orders and served as an aide to three successive bishops. He was later ordained to the priesthood and served as a canon for Tours Cathedral. Appointed Bishop of Saint-Brieuc in 1220, he became known for his staunch defense of the Church's rights against secular encroachment and for his profound compassion towards the poor.
During a famine in 1225, Pinchon demonstrated his commitment by selling all his possessions to aid the impoverished and homeless. His strong stance on Church autonomy led to a brief exile in 1228, orchestrated by Duke Peter I. He resided in Poitiers for a period, assisting the local bishop, before returning to his diocese in 1230 after a reconciliation between the duke and Pope Gregory IX.
Upon his return, Pinchon initiated the construction of a new cathedral in Saint-Brieuc, a project that remained unfinished at the time of his death. He was noted for his meekness and self-mortifications, sleeping on bare boards and often borrowing corn to feed the starving.
Sainthood
William Pinchon's incorrupt remains were discovered in 1236. He was formally canonized by Pope Innocent IV on March 24, 1247. His relics were destroyed during the French Revolution. He is venerated as a confessor within the Catholic Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was William Pinchon born and where?
William Pinchon was born around 1175 in Saint-Alban, France, to peasant parents Oliver Pinchon and Jane Fortin.
What was William Pinchon's role in the Church?
He served as the Bishop of Saint-Brieuc from 1220 until his death in 1234. He was also known for his staunch defense of Church rights and his advocacy for the poor.
Why was William Pinchon exiled?
William Pinchon was exiled in 1228 by Duke Peter I due to his strong defense of the Church's rights against secular intervention.
When was William Pinchon canonized?
William Pinchon was canonized by Pope Innocent IV on March 24, 1247.
What happened to William Pinchon's relics?
His remains were discovered to be incorrupt in 1236. His relics were later burned during the French Revolution.
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