TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 25 JUNE
June 25, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA, PRIEST – 26 JUNE
June 26, 2026
GOD OFTEN SPEAKS LOUDEST IN SILENCE
St. William discovered that his greatest teacher was not a human guide but the silence of the mountain where he sought God. In a world filled with noise and distractions, he learned that God often speaks most clearly in quiet prayer and contemplation. By withdrawing to Monte Vergine, he created space for God to shape his soul.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
An important incident from his life was his decision to leave behind worldly pursuits and live as a hermit on Monte Vergine, where he spent long hours in prayer and communion with God.
Every heart has its own spiritual mountain where God waits. Unless we regularly enter silence through prayer, we risk losing the voice of God amid the noise of the world.
SOLITUDE IS NOT ISOLATION
William sought solitude to be alone with God, but God transformed his solitude into a ministry for others. People were drawn to his holiness, wisdom, and example. His life teaches that genuine union with God does not separate us from people but makes us more capable of loving and serving them.
“Abide in Me, and I in you.”
— John 15:4
When disciples gathered around him seeking spiritual guidance, William welcomed and formed them, eventually establishing a monastic community rooted in prayer and charity.
Authentic solitude fills the soul with God and overflows into service. Loneliness leads to despair, but solitude with God leads to love.
THE VIRGIN LEADS SOULS UPWARD
William had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and dedicated Monte Vergine to her honor. Just as mountains in Scripture are places of encounter with God, Mary leads souls upward toward her Son and helps them grow in holiness.
“My soul magnifies the Lord.”
— Luke 1:46
One of the most significant works of William’s life was the establishment of the Sanctuary of Monte Vergine, dedicated to Our Lady, which became a great center of pilgrimage and Marian devotion.
The closer we come to Mary, the closer we come to Jesus. She never keeps attention for herself but always points hearts toward Christ.
GOD USES HIDDEN LIVES TO CHANGE HISTORY
William never sought fame, influence, or recognition. His only desire was to become holy. Yet his hidden life of prayer gave rise to monasteries, disciples, and a spiritual legacy that continues through the centuries.
“Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
Though he intended only to live as a hermit, many men were inspired by his example and joined him, leading to the foundation of the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Vergine.
God often accomplishes His greatest works through humble souls who seek holiness rather than success. Holiness is heaven’s way of transforming the world.
THE WILD WOLF LIVES IN EVERY HUMAN HEART
A well-known tradition tells of William taming a wild wolf. Whether understood literally or symbolically, the story reminds us that every person struggles with inner passions and weaknesses such as pride, anger, selfishness, impatience, and fear.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
The story of the wolf became a lasting symbol of William’s holiness and the power of God’s grace to transform what is wild and destructive into something peaceful and obedient.
The goal of the spiritual life is not merely to suppress our weaknesses but to surrender them to God so that His grace may transform them into virtues.
THE CLIMB IS PART OF THE TRANSFORMATION
Pilgrims climbed Monte Vergine to encounter God, and the journey itself prepared their hearts for that encounter. In the same way, holiness is usually achieved through perseverance, sacrifice, prayer, and trust rather than instant transformation.
“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.””
— Hebrews 12:1
William embraced a life of penance, fasting, and hardship on the mountain. Through these sacrifices he grew in holiness and inspired others to persevere in their own spiritual journey.
The difficulties we face are often not obstacles to holiness but the very means by which God forms holiness within us.
HEAVEN IS THE FINAL MOUNTAIN
William spent his life ascending toward God through prayer, sacrifice, and surrender. His earthly pilgrimage pointed toward the eternal homeland where all faithful souls are called to dwell with Christ.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”
— Philippians 3:14
Near the end of his life, William continued his missionary travels and founded additional monasteries, remaining faithful to God’s call until his death and final union with the Lord.
The Christian life is a pilgrimage toward heaven. Every faithful step brings us closer to the eternal summit where Christ awaits His saints.
PRAYER THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF ST. WILLIAM OF MONTEVERGINE
O glorious St. William of Montevergine, you left behind earthly comforts to seek God with an undivided heart. Teach us to cherish silence, to love prayer, and to seek the things that truly endure.
Help us to climb the inner mountain of holiness, especially when the journey becomes difficult. Obtain for us the grace to surrender our fears, weaknesses, and restless desires to Christ, so that they may be transformed by His love.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom you honored so deeply, guide us safely toward her Son. And when our earthly pilgrimage is complete, lead us to the eternal heights of heaven, where we may praise God forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. William of Montevergine, pray for us.
nbsp;
