Skip to content

We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.

Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.

Help Now >

St. William

Facts

Death: ~1070

Author and Publisher - Catholic Online
Printable Catholic Saints PDFs
Shop St. William

William, an English priest who had come to Denmark to evangelize the country, became bishop of Roskilde in 1044. Denmark was then ruled by the nominally Catholic king, Sweyn Estridsen. When on a certain New Year's Eve drunken revelers at a royal banquet had made insulting comments about the king, the monarch sent his guards after the offenders to slay them as they were attending the late night office of Matins at a nearby church. The next morning, as King Sweyn approached the same church to attend Mass, he was confronted at the door by Bishop William, attired in his episcopal vestments. William barred the way with his crosier, telling the king, "Stand back, executioner!" The king's courtiers drew their swords, ready to strike down the bishop, but he stood his ground and offered his neck, declaring himself ready to die in defense of the Church. The king turned and retreated in shame. Later, he came back to the church, barefooted and divested of his royal robes, to express his deep contrition. William went to greet him and gave him absolution for his crime. For the rest of their lives, the two remained close friends.

Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Prayer of the Day logo
Saint of the Day logo

Catholic Online Logo

Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.

Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.