Born in France in 1140, William was from the legendary family of The Count of Nevers. 

At a young age, he developed a devotion for The Blessed Sacrament and desire to become a priest, which was not something his father had in mind; he wanted William to become a soldier. 

William’s uncle was an Archdeacon and guided William’s education, helping him to eventually become a Canon in Paris. 

In 1167, William entered the Cistercians, and by 1184 he was Abbott, a role he held for the next 15 years. 

But in 1200, William was elected as the new Archbishop of Bourges, a position he did not want and only accepted at the urging of Pope Innocent III. 

However, he proved to be an outstanding Archbishop and oversaw the completion of the Gothic Cathedral of St. Steven. 

He also had a great love for the sick, the poor, and the imprisoned. 

He died on this day in 1209, while kneeling before The Blessed Sacrament. 

St. William of Bourges, please pray for us.