Blessed Julian Of Saint Augustine

Biography

Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine, also known as Julian Martinet, was born around 1550 in Medinaceli, in the diocese of Segovia, Castile, Spain. As a young man, he worked as a tailor's apprentice, but he felt a calling to the religious life. He entered the Franciscan monastery at Medinaceli, but unfortunately, he was dismissed soon after, as it was determined he was not suited for monastic life.

Undeterred, Julian continued his work as a tailor, settling in Santocraz, Spain. However, his desire for a life dedicated to God remained strong, and he sought again to join the Franciscan order. He was briefly admitted as a lay brother to the Franciscan monastery of Our Lady of Salceda, but once again, he was dismissed due to his perceived mental instability and his unsuitability for monastic life.

Rather than abandon his devotion to God, Julian decided to live as a hermit. He retreated from the world, seeking solace and communion with God in solitude. During this period, his reputation for holiness began to grow, and there were reports of miraculous occurrences attributed to his intercession.

Encouraged by these signs, Julian returned to the monastery of Our Lady of Salceda, where he dedicated himself to a life of prayer, penance, and self-denial. He accompanied Franciscan missionaries, ringing a bell in the streets to call people to services and spreading the Word of God. Over time, he became a noted preacher in his own right, known for his ability to captivate audiences and convey the message of God's love.

Julian was also known among his fellow brothers for his strict austerities, often subjecting himself to severe physical disciplines and fasting. Despite the hardships he imposed on himself, he remained committed to his vocation, seeing these practices as a way to draw closer to God and to share in the sufferings of Christ.

On April 8, 1606, Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine passed away at the Saint Didacus Friary in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. His life of prayer, penance, and preaching had left a lasting impact on those he encountered, and his sanctity and holiness became acknowledged even during his lifetime.

Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine was beatified by Pope Leo XII on May 23, 1825, with the confirmation of his cultus. He is honored on April 8, the day of his death, and at the end of August in Medinaceli, Spain, where he was born. Although his feast days are not widely celebrated, his memory lives on as an example of perseverance and deep devotion to God.