Saint Julian the Hospitaller, also known as “the Poor Man,” was born into a wealthy and noble family in the early fourth century. He became a well known and beloved saint in Western Europe.
According to an ancient legend, when Julian was still a baby, it was foretold that he would one day kill his own parents. His father wanted the child put to death to prevent this terrible fate, but his mother protected him and kept him alive. When Julian grew old enough to learn about the prophecy, he chose to leave home so that his parents would be safe from harm.
Years later, while Julian was out hunting, his parents came unexpectedly to visit his castle. His wife welcomed them warmly and gave them one of the finest rooms in the house. During the hunt, Julian experienced a vision sent by the devil, making him believe that his wife was in their bed with another man. Filled with jealousy and anger, he hurried home determined to kill the person he thought had betrayed him.
When he entered the room and saw two figures lying in the bed, he assumed it was his wife and her supposed lover. In a moment of blind rage, he killed them. Only afterward did he discover that the two people he had slain were his own mother and father. The prophecy had come true.
Overcome with sorrow and horror at what he had done, Saint Julian resolved to spend the rest of his life in repentance and service. Together with his wife, he made a pilgrimage to a distant land. There they built a hospital near a river that many travelers had to cross. At that time, many people were journeying because of the Holy Crusades, and the river was dangerous. Many drowned while trying to cross. Julian devoted himself to ferrying travelers safely across the water and caring for the sick and the poor.
One night, the devil damaged his home. In his distress, Julian wrongly blamed the people he had been helping and declared that he would never offer shelter to anyone again. Soon afterward, God came to his door disguised as someone in need, asking for help. At first, Julian refused. But when he realized whom he had turned away, he was deeply ashamed. He withdrew his harsh words and once again committed himself to serving anyone who needed assistance.
According to the legend, thieves eventually broke into their hospital and killed Julian and his wife in the same manner that Julian had once killed his parents. Many miracles were said to have taken place in that region afterward. As the story recounts, their bodies were later brought to Brioude in France.
Saint Julian is honored as the patron saint of ferrymen, innkeepers, and circus performers.