12th April - Pope Saint Julius the First
Pope Saint Julius the first, son of Rusticus, was born in Rome. He was one of the early leaders in the Catholic Church, and was later made a saint. He succeeded Pope Mark and his papacy lasted for more than 15 years and only ended with his death. Historians today revered Saint Julius for his stance against the Arian heresy, and as the pope who created a celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, which we still celebrate on December 25.
Almighty God and Father, Light and Shepherd of souls, you made Saint Julius, Pope to feed Your flock by his word and form it by his example. We thank you for the discernment and wisdom you gave him during his papacy. Help us through his intercession to keep the Faith he taught by his word and follow the way he showed by his example. We ask this through Christ our risen Lord, Amen!
