February 12 – St. Julian the Hospitaller
Born: c. early 4th century
Died: c. 4th century
Nationality: French
Vocation: lay
Attributes: carrying a leper through a river, ferryman, young hunter with stag, well-dressed young man holding a hawk
Patronage: ferrymen, innkeepers, circus performers, carnival workers, hotels, hotel industry workers, travelers looking for lodging
Canonization: pre-congregation
According to legend, Julian was cursed as an infant to one day kill his parents. His father wanted him killed, but his mother protected him. When he learned of the curse, he left his family so that they would be kept safe.
Later in life, Julian’s parents unexpectedly visited him, who had married. His wife gave his parents one of the best rooms in the castle. Julian, who was out hunting and unaware of their presence, received a vision from the devil of his wife in bed with another man. He returned home to kill whoever was in his bed, and, mistaking his parents for his wife and lover, killed them in a jealous rage.
Julian was horrified upon learning the identities of those he murdered and subsequently vowed to devote the rest of his life to good works. He and his wife went on a pilgrimage to Rome seeking to make reparations. He established seven hospitals and built 25 houses in the region.
One hospital was located near a river that many travelers had to cross. Many tended to drown, which prompted Julian to ferry travelers across and tend to those who were sick.
One legend recounts that God sent an angel disguised as a leper to test Julian. The repentant man took the leper in and gave him his own bed. Upon discovering who the leper was, he knew his horrible crime had been forgiven.
St. Julian the Hospitaller, pray for us.