Bl. William of Toulouse

  Posted on May 18, 2020  by admin  No comments

Born: c.1297 in Toulouse, France 

Died: 18 May 1369 in Toulouse, France of natural causes, buried in the cemetery of the Saint Etienne monastery in Toulouse, so many miracles reported at his grave that he was re-interred in the monastery church 

Beatified: 1893 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmation), the only French Augustinian friar declared Blessed by the Church so far 

Feast: 18th May

Born to the French nobility. Joined the Augustinians in Toulouse, France at age 19. Studied there and in Paris, France. Prior of the Augustinian house of Pamiers, France. Spiritual director, exorcist and, most importantly, a noted, popular preacher in Toulouse whose sermons brought many to religious life. Promoted devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Sorrowful Mother, and for praying for souls in Purgatory. Known for his simple life, deeply spiritual preaching and writer, and his deep prayer life; none of his sermons have survived, and his only writing we have is Vision of the Punishments in Purgatory and Hell.