April 6th - St. William of Eskhill
Waldtraud
.(also known as William of Aebelholt or Eskilsoė)
Born in Paris, France, c. 1125; died in Denmark, on April 6, 1203; canonized
in 1224 by Pope Honorius III. William of Eskilsoė, the English equivalent of
Eskiloė (Ise Fjord), a Danish town that once housed an abbey, was one of the
most revered saints of Denmark, and his extant letters are a valuable source
for the history of the Danish church. His early experiences stood him in
good stead in Denmark. After being educated by the monks of
Saint-Germain-des-Pres in Paris under the direction of his uncle Hugh, he
became a canon of the church of Sainte-Genevičve-du-Mont. But his
fellow-canons were lax, and frequently mocked their new recruit for his
disciplined life. They so disliked him that William was forced to resign and
take a living at Epinay outside Paris.
Fortunately, Pope Eugenius III visited Paris in 1148, perceived the laxity
of the canons of Sainte-Genevičve-du-Mont, and replaced them with more
devout men. William rejoined the canons and became the sub-prior, where his
reputation for canonical discipline and holiness grew and reached the ears
of Bishop Axel (or Absalom) of Roskilde, Denmark. About 1170, the bishop
sent a young Dane, Saxo Grammaticus, who became a leading historian, to
invite William to undertake the reformation of the monasteries in his
diocese. William accepted the invitation.
His early trials in Paris fitted him for reforming the abbey of Eskilsoė.
William first expelled two monks, setting about the reformation of the rest.
His enemies tried to overcome his zeal by appealing to powerful lords, but
for 30 years William unflinchingly persisted, in spite of inner strain and
painful illnesses. He also founded the Abbey of St. Thomas in Aebelhold
(Ebelholt), Zeeland.
William sanctified himself by a life of prayer and austere mortification,
added to the suffering caused by extreme poverty and a severe climate. He
wore a hair-shirt, lay on straw, and fasted every day. Imbued with a deep
sense of the greatness and sanctity of our mysteries, he never approached
the altar without watering it with his tears, offering himself to God in the
spirit of adoration and sacrifice.
About 1194, William went to Rome on behalf of Ingelburga, sister of the
Danish king, who had been repudiated by her husband, King Philip Augustus of
France, but he returned to Eskilsoė to die (Attwater, Benedictines, Bentley,
Encyclopedia, Husenbeth, Walsh).
In art, Saint William has a torch which lights itself on his grave.
Sometimes he is shown as Saint Genevičve appears to him (Roeder).
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Martyrology
At Milan, the suffering of St. Peter, martyr, of the Order of Preachers, who
was slain by the heretics on account of his Catholic faith. His feast is
celebrated on April 29.
At Welehrad, in Moravia, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop and
confessor. With his brother, St. Cyril, also a bishop, whose birthday falls
on February 14, he converted many of the Slav races and their kings to the
faith of Christ. Their festival is, however, observed on July 7.
In Macedonia, SS. Timothy and Diogenes, martyrs.
In Persia, one hundred and twenty holy martyrs.
In Ascalon in Palestine, the suffering of SS. Platonides and two other
martyrs.
At Carthage, St. Marcellinus, martyr, who was slain by the heretics for his
defense of the Catholic faith.
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Whoever taketh not up his cross and followeth Me, is not worthy of
Me. -Matt. 10:38
"The way is narrow. Whoever expects to walk in it with ease must go detached
from all things, leaning on the staff of the Cross; that is firmly resolving
to be willing to suffer in all things for love of God"
-St. John of the Cross
Taulerus relates that he knew a great servant of God who had many visions
and revelations, and was aquainted with the interpretations of Scripture and
the secrets of hearts. But becoming afraid that gifts of one sort might
prove a hindrance to favors of another kind, and so prevent him from being
loved by God, he earnestly besought the Lord to be pleased to take away from
him every consolation; and he was heard. For five years in succession, he
never had the slightest spiritual joy nor any celestial inspiration or
illumination, but always led a life full of afflictions, temptations and
spiritual aridity. Finally, the Lord was moved with pity at so much
suffering, and one day sent two angels to console him a little. But he,
contented in his sorrows, refused this consolation, and turning his heart to
God said: "0 Lord, I do not desire any pleasure in this world, nor do I wish
that anyone should enter my heart save Thyself, 0 my Beloved! for it is
enough consolation for me if Thy holy will be done in me." This beautiful
act of detachment pleased God so much that the Eternal Father proclaimed him
His beloved child.
(Taken from the book "A Year with the Saints". April - Patience)
Bible Quote
6 Then Jesus said to them: My time is not yet come; but your time is always
ready. (John 7:6)
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Saint Anthony, Model of Perfection
Dear St. Anthony, you took the words of Jesus seriously,
"Be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect."
The Church honors you as a Christian hero, a man wholly
dedicated to God's glory and the good of the redeemed. St.
Anthony, Model of Perfection, ask Jesus to strengthen my
good dispositions and to make me more like you, more like
Him. Obtain for me the other favors I need. (Name them.)