St. Julian's crime was the unintentional murder of his own parents. In a tragic misunderstanding, he killed them, believing them to be his wife and a lover.
The Tragic Misdeed of St. Julian
According to the legend, St. Julian, also known as Julian the Hospitaler or Julian the Poor, returned home to find two people sleeping in his bed. Mistakenly believing them to be his wife engaged in adultery with another man, he killed both individuals in a fit of rage. However, upon encountering his wife shortly afterward, he realized with horror that the sleeping couple he had just slain were, in fact, his long-unseen parents.
This devastating act of parricide formed the central tragedy of his life.
St. Julian's Atonement and Legacy
Overwhelmed with remorse and seeking penance for his grave sin, Julian embarked on a lifelong journey of atonement. His efforts to seek forgiveness and dedicate his life to service transformed him into a revered saint.
Key aspects of his atonement included:
- Building a Hospital: He constructed a hospital specifically for the poor and the sick, dedicating himself to their care. This act gave him the epithet "the Hospitaler."
- Guiding Travelers: He also devoted himself to aiding and guiding travelers, particularly those crossing dangerous rivers or desolate lands, offering them shelter and safe passage.
His story is a powerful narrative of crime, profound repentance, and ultimate redemption through selfless service to humanity. St. Julian is often invoked by travelers, hotel-keepers, and those seeking to make amends for past wrongs.
For more information on the life and legend of St. Julian, you can consult resources such as the Catholic Encyclopedia.
