Saint William of York
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(Franciscan Media) William born in England, was the son of Count Herbert, Treasurer to King Henry I according to SQPN William seemed destined for great things, his Uncle was in line to the throne–though a nasty dynastic struggle complicated things and William faced an internal Church feud.
Despite these circumstances, William was selected as Archbishop of York in 1140 though his selection was challenged by a group of reformers especially the Cistercians after William was accused of simony, sexual misconduct and being unduly influenced by his families connections to the Royal Court–The Vatican investigated the allegations, subsequently clearing William and then confirmed him as Archbishop in 1143
A few years later the allegations again were made, Pope Eugene III a Cistercian suspended Archbishop William and replaced him with Henry Mudac a Cistercian and Abbot of Fountains — Subsequently, some of William’s supporters took to the streets, violently protesting his suspension and removal, burning down the Monastery of Fountains.
William in the meantime, retired to Winchester and became a Monk.
Pope Eugene III passed away in 1153 and was succeeded by Pope Anastasius IV, William was called from seclusion and once again Ordained as Archbishop of York, receiving an enthusiastic welcome. Within two months however he was dead.
Allegations of the poisoning of Archbishop William surfaced with his administrative assistant being the prime suspect but no charges were ever filed.
Despite all that happened to Archbishop William of York, he never showed resentment toward his accusers or opponents–Following his death, many miracles were attributed to him.
Archbishop William of York was Canonized in 1226 by Pope Honorius III
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