Julian of Toledo

Saint Julian of Toledo was born in 642 in Toledo, in Hispania. Formed in learning at the cathedral school, he embraced the monastic life and became abbot of Agali, where he grew as a spiritual disciple of Saint Eugene II. His gifts of intellect and governance later led to his election as archbishop of Toledo, and he became the first bishop to exercise primacy over the whole Iberian Peninsula, helping to strengthen and unify the Church’s life around Toledo. Julian guided the Church through councils and synods, revised the Visigothic rite, and left a rich body of writing. His most influential work, Prognostics, meditates on death and the world to come, inviting Christians to live with sober hope in God’s judgment and mercy. He also recorded the conflict of King Wamba’s reign and wrote on the future life, showing a pastor’s concern for both history and eternity. He died peacefully in Toledo in 690. He is honored as patron of Ferrol, and his feast day is March 6.