William of Fenoli

thumb|250px|right|Blessed William of Fenoli:Medallion by Giovanni Scrivo (1868-1933).

William of FenoliWilliam of Fenoli: http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/monastic2/carthusian/william.html] (d. "circa" 1205) was a monk of the Carthusian OrderCarthusian Order: http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/monastic2/carthusian/home.html] , wholived in the late 12th - .He was a lay-brother at the Charterhouse of Casularum in Lombardy, where he managed the monastery's external affairs.

According to Carthusian annals, "He was untutored in theology, in philosophy and in worldly knowledge, but in spiritual life and good works he was most learned. His holiness was made known by very many miracles both during his life and after his death"Carthusian history: Le Couteulx, "Annales Ordinis Cartusiensis" vol. iii, pp. 293-302.] . For this, and accounts of other miracles performed at his intercession, William of Fenoli was "beatified" by Pope Pius IX, who approved his "cultus" (limited, local veneration) in 1860Papal records: "Analecta Juris Pontificii", vol. v, 1861, cc. 129-134.] .

He is chiefly known for the following miracle. One day, when he wasreturning from his field work, he was set upon by robbersMiracles:http://www.lngplants.com/Miracles_1200.html#1205_Blessed_William_of_Fenoli] and defended himself by tearing the leg off his donkey, using this as a cudgel to drive off his attackers. Afterwards, he miraculously healed the donkey, restoring its leg. Blessed William is therefore often depicted in iconography with his donkey, brandishing the donkey's legMedallion by Giovanni Scrivo (1868-1933), kept at the Museo della Certosa - C. da Certosa, 1 - 89822 Serra San Bruno (VV) - Italy. Web address: http://www.museo.certosini.info/.] .

His Feast Day falls on 19th DecemberFeast Day: http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/1219.shtml] , according to the Roman calendar, but on 16th December in the Carthusian calendar.

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