William of Norwich

Memorial: formerly 26 March
cultus suppressed several centuries ago
Profile: Apprentice tanner. Alleged to have been murdered at age 12 by Jews due to their hatred of Christianity and the alleged need for Christian blood for a Passover feast. While the boy did die, his story and the popular elevation of his status to martyr are a function of anti-Semitism, not sanctity. The cultus was disapproved of by the papacy, and was gone by the Reformation.
Born: 1132
Died: 22 March 1144
Patronage: kidnap victims
torture victims
Representation: boy crowned with thorns
boy with a knife in his side and holding some nails
boy holding a cross and nails with wounded feet and hands
Additional Information: Catholic Encyclopedia
Jewish Encyclopedia
Kirken i Norge
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