Saint of the Day – 31 January – St Julius (Late 4th Century) Priest and Confessor, Missionary, Miracle-worker. Both in Italy. Born probably in Greece and died of natural causes on the Island named after him, San Giuulio. Patronages – of Cavenago di Brianza and of Orta San Giulio,Also known as – Julius of Orta, … of Novara, Giulio….
31 January is traditionally the Feast day of St Julius, a Priest and Confessor of the later 4th Century. He is said to have been a Greek from the Island of Aegina, who, together with his brother Julian, migrated to northern Italy in the days of the Emperor Theodosius I (379-395).
The 2 brothers set about evangelising the region. After they had built 99 Churches in various places, Julius chose, as the place for the 100th an Island in the middle of Lago d’Orta, a lake near Novara in the Piedmont region. But, unable to find anyone to take him to the Island which was infested with serpents, he spread his cloak on the waters and used it as a boat. Upon reaching the Island, he drove away the serpents and established his Church.
Modern archeological research has in fact confirmed that a Church was built in very ancient times on the iIland in the same place where a large Basilica now stands, dedicated to St Julius. He is also mentioned by the 8th Century historian of the Lombards, Paul the Deacon. Julius’ (presumed) Relics are preserved in the Crypt of this Basilica. Below is the exterior of the Basilica.
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