William Bernard Ullathorne

William Bernard Ullathorne, OSB, born in Yorkshire, England, in 1806, was a descendant of St. Thomas More and of other Catholics who stayed true to their Faith during a time when many were falling away owing to Protestant persecution. This heritage was to reveal itself later in life, when Ullathorne worked unceasingly for the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England.

Becoming enamored of the sea at a young age, Ullathorne worked as a cabin boy for most of his youth, but he was eventually led in 1823 to enter the Benedictine order at Downside, where he was ordained a priest seven years later. From that time on, he led the life Of an active and zealous missionary, both in Australia and, later, closer to home in Coventry, until he was named Vicar Apostolic Of the western half Of England in 1846, Bishop of Birmingham in 1850, and, finally, Titular Archbishop of Cabasa.

Although he is known for his aggressive apostolic zeal, Archbishop Ullathorne is perhaps best remembered for his famous — and all-encompassing — spiritual treatise The Groundwork of the Christian Virtues.

He writes in an engaging and practical yet earnest manner that conveys to the reader the importance of the virtues -- particularly humility -- and the daily struggles and opportunities that are involved in achieving holiness.