Birth: ~1155 Death: 1209 Feast Day: January 10 William Berruyer was a member of the family of the ancient counts of Nevers. He was educated by his uncle, Peter the hermit, who was archdeacon of Soissons. As a child, he learned to turn away from the frivolity and shallowness of the world, the pursuit of wealth, and the temptations such things can bring. He grew in holiness and wisdom, working hard at his studies. He was made canon, of Soissons, and then of Paris. Later he resolved to abandon the world and entered the Order of Grandmont, where in solitude and austerity. He was content in this life until strife arose between priests and lay brothers within the order, so he decided to join the Cistercian order, newly founded and noted for their more austere practices and the saintliness of their members. He received his habit in the Cistercian abbey of Pontigny. During his time there, he grew to be known as a perfect example of living in monastic life. He was chosen as prior of Po