St. Julian’s story has inspired people for generations. We have no date associated with his life, and even a location is difficult to pin down (somewhere in Europe—either in Italy or southern France), but his legend made him famous as patron saint of hospitality and entertainment workers.

The story goes that he was a nobleman and while he was out hunting one day, he received a vision that warned that he would kill his parents. He was horrified by the idea, and secretly moved far away. 

He came into the service of a king, and grew to be a trusted advisor, marrying a wealthy widow and gaining knighthood. His parents set out to find him, traveling throughout the land. While Julian was out on a hunting party, they came upon the castle where he lived and inquired about him.

His wife told them that Julian was out hunting, but offered her bed to them for the night. When Julian returned that night and found two bodies in his bed, he assumed that his wife was being unfaithful, drew his sword and struck both bodies. His wife had been in the church saying her night prayers, and Julian met her when she returned. He was devastated to learn that his vision had come true.

He resolved to leave and give himself to the service of others until he gained assurance from God that he had performed a fitting penance for his sin. His wife joined him, and they traveled until they came to a river crossing. There they built a hospice to welcome weary and sick travelers, and Julian assisted people in crossing the river. 

After many years, in the middle of one night, Julian heard a voice asking for help to cross the river. He found a leper nearly frozen to death, and helped him into the hospice to warm him and give him food. Seeing that the man would soon die from his exposure, Julian gave him the comfort of his own bed. The man was revealed to be a messenger from God, who announced that Julian’s penance was over.

St. Julian is patron saint of travelers, ferry workers, and hotel keepers. He is also patron of childless people, carnival workers, fiddlers, jugglers, murderers, and pilgrims.

St. Julian, your fantastic story inspired your patronage of innkeepers and fiddlers, pray for us!