St. Roman Catholic William Church - London at 521 West Fifth Street, London, KY 40741 US - St. William de Bourge is Patron Saint of Parish

Saint William de Bourges is credited with the performance of 18 miracles in his lifetime. Named archbishop of Bourges in 1200, William de Donjeon was known for his concern for the poor, imprisoned, debauched and sick in all walks of life. He made a great many converts among the Albigenses. His birth into a wealthy family gave him the opportunity for a good education and he was called to the priesthood. He was first a canon at Soissons and later Paris. Eventually he joined the monks at the Abbey of Grandmont and later became a Cistercian at Pontigny. He later became the abbot of Fontaine-Jean and then Chalis before being appointed bishop. In his life as a monk William lived a very simple lifestyle and traveled around France encouraging others to do similarly. Upon his appointment as archbishop William was overwhelmed with the news and tried to avoid the position, but he was commanded to accept it both by the superior of the Cistercians and by the pope. As archbishop, William was well known for his austere lifestyle and his devotion to prayer and the Blessed Sacrament. William served as archbishop for almost a decade before his death in 1209. He was seen as an example for all and was canonized by Pope Honorius III eight years later in 1217.

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