St. William of Vercelli: Saint of the Day for Thursday, June 25, 2026
The founder of the Williamites is remembered for his monastic leadership and devotion, while the day also marks a secular food celebration
St. William of Vercelli, who lived from 1085 to 1142, is recognized as the Saint of the Day for Thursday, June 25, 2026. Born in Vercelli, Italy, William was brought up as an orphan during his youth. After embarking on a pilgrimage to Compostella, he chose to live as a hermit on Monte Vergine in Italy. While living there, he attracted a large number of followers, and this growing community eventually led to the construction of a monastery on the mountain.[2]
By the year 1119, these followers were formally united into a Benedictine congregation called the Hermits of Monte Vergine, also known as the Williamites, which William headed as their leader. However, the extreme austerity of the rule he established eventually caused dissension and disagreement among his monks. In order to restore peace to the community, William decided to leave the monastery and was subsequently taken under the protection of Roger I.[2]
In addition to the religious commemoration of St. William of Vercelli, the date of June 25, 2026, is also celebrated as National Strawberry Parfait Day, marking a distinct secular event on the same calendar day.[1]
