Blessed William Of Altavilla

Biography

Blessed William of Altavilla, also known as William of Alteville, was born into nobility in the 13th century in France. From an early age, he displayed a strong desire to serve God and alleviate the suffering of his fellow Christians who were enslaved by Muslims.

Inspired by his deep faith and sense of duty, William made the courageous decision to renounce his worldly life and join the Mercedarian Order as a knight. The Mercedarian Order, founded in 1218, was dedicated to the redemption of Christian captives from Muslim hands. William's selfless dedication to this cause became the driving force behind his life and work.

Under the guidance and spiritual mentorship of Blessed William de Bas, William of Altavilla underwent rigorous training and education in both the temporal and spiritual aspects of his vocation. As a Mercedarian knight, he took a solemn vow to use his resources and talents to secure the freedom of Christians held captive by Muslims.

Throughout his life, Blessed William of Altavilla embarked on numerous perilous journeys to Muslim territories, risking his own safety to negotiate the release of Christian slaves. His efforts were not in vain, as in 1263 alone, he successfully secured the freedom of 208 enslaved Christians through his tireless negotiations.

William's unwavering commitment to his mission and his willingness to sacrifice his own comfort for the liberation of others made him a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Christian community. His faith and courage served as a reminder of the true values of Christianity and the importance of selflessness and compassion.

While specific information regarding William of Altavilla's representation is not mentioned, it is believed that he may be represented in religious artwork in the traditional habit of the Mercedarian Order, holding the symbols of his knightly and spiritual vocations.

Although his exact date of death and other details remain unknown, Blessed William of Altavilla's life and extraordinary deeds have been venerated and celebrated by the Mercedarians. While he has not been officially conferred with the title of "saint," his beatification process may be underway or pending.

Blessed William of Altavilla's life stands as a testament to the power of faith, courage, and self-sacrifice. His dedication to the rescue and liberation of Christians enslaved by Muslims serves as an enduring example of the Christian call to serve others and fight for justice and freedom.