June 8
Saints of the Day

Saint William of York, d. 1154
The Archbishop of York, England, with a very controversial life and a mysterious death... yes, all kind of Saints!

    Archbishop of York in 1140. His selection was challenged by reformers, especially a group of Cistercians, and William was accused of simony, sexual misconduct, and being unduly influenced by his connections to the royal court. The Vatican investigated, Pope Innocent cleared him of all charges, and confirmed him as archbishop on 26 September 1143.
    However, the charges resurfaced a few years later under Pope Eugene III, a Cistercian; Eugene suspended William from his see, and in 1147 removed him as archbishop, replacing him with the Cistercian Henry Murdac, abbot of Fountains. Some of William's supporters took to the streets to defend him, and during a riot, they attacked and burned the monastery of Fountains. William, however, retired to Winchester, and became a monk, noted for his austerities and active prayer life.
    In 1154, in the reign of Pope Anastasius IV, William was called from his seclusion, and again ordained archbishop of York; he died a month later. There were accusations of poisoning, including poison introduced in the sacramental wine. An investigation ensued, but no records of its result have survived, and it's more likely he died from fever.
Died June 1154; buried in the cathedral of York, England
Canonized 18 March 1226 by Pope Honorius III; the investigation was led by the Cistercians, including the abbot of Fountains who supported the canonization
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Additional Information
        http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintw28.htm
        http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1925

Saints of June 8:

http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0608.htm

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