Today, January 28, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Julian
of Cuenca (1127-1208), second bishop of Cuenca, Spain, professor, hermit,
priest, preacher, patron saint of Cuenca, Spain and rain.
Saint Julian was born in Burgos, Spain. There, he studied at the cathedral school,
followed by the University of Palencia where he earned his doctorate. He was appointed professor of philosophy and
theology in 1153, at the age of 26. For
the next ten years, not only did he devote himself to teaching, he used his
free time to make baskets and other trade goods, donating all he made to the
poor of the city. Saint Julian lived on
the principal of charity, always doing for others.
After a decade of work, he left Palencia to enter life as a
hermit, to spend time in quiet contemplation with his thoughts of God. He found a modest home outside of Burgos, on
the banks of the picturesque Arlanzon river. He was eventually ordained, and received
minor orders. He continued to live a
life of charity, mortification, and solemn contemplation of the Lord.
Following some time, he and his companion, Lesmes, set off
as itinerant preachers, traveling throughout Spain, as far as Cordoba and
Toledo. There, in Toledo, he was
appointed archdeacon. Along with his
administrative duties, Saint Julian continued his tradition of basket-making to
raise money for the poor. He preached
and served as archdeacon of Toledo for five years, before being chosen as the
second bishop of Cuenca.
Until his death, Julian continued his preaching, instituting
significant reform to the clergy of the area.
He spent his free time in charitable work for all members of the city—Christian,
Jew, and Muslim alike. One each year
Saint Julian retired to the country, where he entered into silent
contemplation, generally accompanied by basket making. It is said that on one of these retreats,
Jesus appeared to him in the guise of a beggar, thanking him for his lifetime
of charitable works.
Saint Julian’s relics lie in the Cathedral of Cuenca, where
he is honored as patron saint and protector of the city.
Prayer for Charitable Hearts
Thank You Lord for the many graces and blessings you have
placed in my life.
I offer You my heart-felt gratitude for Your countless
gifts to me each day.
In turn, dear Lord, help me to be aware of
the needs of my least sisters and brothers, and to respond to those those who
are poor and less fortunate with generous expressions of charity, kindness and
caring.
On that day Lord, when I finally stand before You to give
an account of my life, I pray I will hear you say, “Come O good and faithful
servant to share your Father’s joy, for when you saw me hungry, thirsty, naked,
homeless, ill and imprisoned, you offered your gifts in charity and you
lovingly did it for me”.
Amen.
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