William of Toulouse, St.

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WILLIAM OF TOULOUSE, ST.

Theologian and mystic; b. Toulouse 1297; d. May 18, 1369. He entered the Augustinian Order at about 19, was sent to the University of Paris for studies, and became a lecturer of theology. Effective as a preacher and spiritual adviser, he promoted especially prayers for the souls in purgatory. He read the lives of the saints frequently and sought to model his life according to their example. He overcame many temptations in his effort to attain perfection in the monastic virtues. God exalted him for his great humility through various wonders. A local cult was authorized 50 days after his death; miracles occurred; his cult was confirmed in 1893.

Feast: May 18.

Bibliography: Acta Sanctorum (Paris 1863) 4:196202. n. mattioli, B. Guglielmo da Tolosa dell'Ordine romitano di S. Agostino (Rome 1894). t. baurens de molinier, Le Missionnaire moderne Suivi de la terrible vision des peines de' l'enfer, du B. Guillaume de Toulouse (Paris 1896).

[d. andreini]

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