Julian of Le Mans

Born in the Roman Empire, perhaps of noble family, Julian lived in the third century and is honored as the first bishop of Le Mans. Consecrated bishop at Rome, he was sent into Gaul with a priest, Thuribe, and a deacon, Pavace, to preach Christ to the Cenomani people. Reaching their capital, Le Mans, he found a city troubled by a lack of drinking water. Tradition tells that Julian planted his staff in the earth and prayed, and a spring burst forth—an act of mercy that opened hearts to the Gospel. The leading citizen of the city, moved by grace, received baptism with his household and offered part of his own palace to become the first cathedral church. Julian shepherded the young Christian community with tenderness, caring for the poor, the sick, and orphans, and he was remembered for miracles, even the raising of a dead man. In old age he withdrew to a hermit’s life near the Sarthe, seeking quiet union with God. He is invoked as patron of Pollina. His feast day is July 13.