William of Maleval

William of Maleval was born in France, though the details of his early years are little known. As a young man he lived far from God, spending time in military life and falling into dissipation. Grace, however, pursued him. Tradition holds that he traveled to Rome, and in a spirit of repentance undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he remained for a time in prayer and conversion. Around 1153 William returned to Tuscany, seeking a hidden life with the Lord. He lived first as a hermit near Pisa, and for a short period tried to guide a monastery, but when reform proved difficult he withdrew more deeply into solitude. In 1155 he settled in a rugged valley called Maleval, in the territory of Castiglione della Pescaia, where his disciple Albert joined him. There William embraced austere penance, contemplation, and simplicity until his holy death on February 10, 1157. Venerated for his profound conversion and eremitical witness, he inspired followers who formed the Order of Saint William, later associated with the Augustinians. He is patron of Castiglione della Pescaia, Vetulonia, and tinsmiths. His feast day is February 10.