Portal:Catholic Church/Patron Archive/May 23

Saint William of Perth (died c. 1201), also known as Saint William of Rochester was a Scottish saint who was martyred in England. He is the patron saint of adopted children. Following his death, he gained local acclaim and was canonised by Pope Alexander IV in 1256.

William was a devout individual and a baker who gave every tenth loaf of bread to the poor. He adopted an abandoned child and taught him his trade. Years later they set off on a pilgrimage. His adopted son, intending to rob him, murdered William. The Bishop of Rochester obtained William's canonization and created a shrine in Rochester Cathedral which drew many pilgrims. (Full article...)
Attributes: Walking staff, palmer's wallet, little dog
Patronage: Adopted children
See also: Michael of Synnada; Giovanni Battista de' Rossi