St JULIAN-THE-POOR

Also known as JULIAN-THE-HOSPITALIER

Patron Saint of Innkeepers and Hotel Managers, Boatmen, Ferrymen and Travelers

A Saint with a staggering story — in the most literal sense.

As a loving son he did not like this at all and was so terrified at the prophecy he fled from home without a word. But good fortune came when he was fortunate enough to marry a widow. She not only had a dowry but also a castle.

Meanwhile his parents were worried sick at the unexplained disappearance of their son. They spent all their time searching far and wide. One exhausting day they came upon a castle and sought refuge. The master was not at home but the hostess gave them a bed for the night.

Julian, returning home in the early hours from a night out with the boys, stumbled into the bedroom and couldn't believe his eyes. There were two bodies in the matrimonial bed and one of them was not his. Unfaithful bitch! Rage! Fury! Time to draw a sword and put an end to such disgraceful behavior. Swish Swish!

Then his wife came in to explain about giving up their bed for the two unexpected guests. Who were now both dead. And yes, they were his parents. The horror! The Remorse!

What to do? Community service for a start. Driven by the need to atone for the guilt, Julian and his wife opened a hospice for the poor and ailing. It was near a river, where Julian also operated a piggyback ferry service.

One day he found a freezing leper on the far bank and ferried him back for care and attention. The leper not only made a swift recovery but grew wings. It turned out he was an angel, who told Julian he had now done enough good to earn forgiveness.

We feel sure he kept it all going as he is the Patron of ferrymen, travelers and innkeepers.