Saint of the Day – 29 March – Saint William Tempier of Poitiers OSA (Died 1197) Bishop known as “William the Strong”

Saint of the Day – 29 March – Saint William Tempier of Poitiers OSA (Died 1197) the 12th Bishop of Poitiers, “William the Strong” Canon Regular of the Augustinian Order. He is remembered as a man of great courage and virile patience in the exercise of his Office in defending the rights of and the property of the Church. Born probably in Poitiers and died on 29 March 1197 in his Diocese of natural causes. Patronages – against haemorrhages and any blood ailments. Also known as – “William the Strong” William of Poitiers, Guillermo

It is not known when and where he was born, although it is believed to be in Poitiers, France. As a young man Willian entered the Augustinian Canons where he practiced the life of virtue such that he was called to lead the Canonry of St Hilary in Poitiers.

In 1183, at the request of the Clergy and people alike, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Poitiers.

He shepherded his flock by his powerful word and stirring example and strove to defend the rights of the Church which were under frequent attack.

We know little more about St William but, for Centuries, his Feast has been celebratei on 29 March and is recorded as such in various Martyrologies.

He is remembered above all for the courage shown in defending the rights and properties of his Diocese, this is also stated in a document from 1185 which indicates William as a defender against the persecutors of the Diocese.
And again in 1191 he is referred to as “William the Strong.”

After thirteen years of an intense Episcopate, he died on 29 March 1197 and was buried in the Church of St Cyprian. Bishop William Tempier,, who in life had been strongly opposed by the notables of the Diocese, was honoured as a Saint in death, which indicates that beyond the energy expressed in conducting the administrative and als, the political life of the Diocese, in the pastoral field, he was a great and holy Bishop, attentive to the spiritual life of the faithful, to whom he was an upright example.

The people of Poitiers went to his tomb to be cured, in particular of haemorrhages and any blood ailments.