SERVANT OF GOD, BROTHER JUNIPER

Monday, January 29, 2018
Feast Day: January 29

Lived(1190 - 1258)

Brother Juniper, addressing his brother-franciscans

Much is not known about Juniper before he joined the friars. In 1210, he was accepted by Francis himself into the Friars minor. Francis sent him to establish “places” for the friars in Gualdo Tadino and Viterbo. When Saint Clare was dying, Juniper consoled her. He had a great devotion to the passion of Jesus and was known for his simplicity.

Stories about Juniper tells of his generosity. Once Juniper was taking care of a sick man who wanted to eat pig’s feet. This helpful friar went to a nearby field, captured a pig, cut off one foot, and then served this meal to the sick man. The owner of the pig was furious and immediately went to Juniper’s superior. When Juniper saw his mistake, he apologised profusely. He also ended up talking this angry man into donating the rest of the pig to the friars!

Another time Juniper had been commanded to quit giving part of his clothing to the half-naked people he met on the road. Desiring to obey his superior, Juniper once told a man in need that he couldn’t give the man his tunic, but he wouldn’t prevent the man from taking it either. In time, the friars learned not to leave anything lying around, for Juniper would probably give it away.

He died in 1258 and is buried at Ara Coeli Church in Rome.