Julius of Novara

Infobox Saint
name= Saint Julius of Novara
birth_date=
death_date=~390 AD
feast_day= January 31
venerated_in= Roman Catholic Church


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attributes= old priest with his staff, sailing on his cloak to Isola Giulio over a lake which is full of serpents
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major_shrine= Isola San Giulio
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Julius of Novara in it|Giulio di Orta (died. c. 390) was a missionary priest to northern Italy.

His cult is centered at Lake Orta in the Novarese highlands, and in particular on the island which has been named for him (or for his brother) since at least the eighth century [Paul the Deacon refers to the island as "sancti Iuliani".] , Isola San Giulio, and where his presumed relics are preserved in the crypt of a basilica dedicated to him.

Few facts are known about his career. In the earliest Vita, which dates from no earlier than the eighth century and is of a character as much legendary as historical, the account of his life is interlaced with that of his supposed brother Julian (Giuliano), a deacon, whose name is similar enough to suggest that they may have been the same person. The "Roman Martyrology" commemorates only Julius. It has been said the Julius' name was recited as part of the Ambrosian Rite during the fifth and sixth centuries; however, it has also been claimed that this Julius referred to Pope Julius I.

Julius and Julian may have been Greeks who came to Rome before establishing themselves at Lake Orta. Their legend states that they were educated in the Christian faith by their parents. They are said to have been ordered by Theodosius I to destroy pagan altars and sacred woods and to build Christian churches. They built one hundred churches, according to their tradition. The ninety-ninth church is said to have been built at Gozzano, and dedicated to Saint Lawrence. Julian was buried there. The hundredth church was built by Julius on the island that bears his name; he dedicated it to Saints Peter and Paul.

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References

* [http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/39190 San Giulio: Apostolo dell'Alto Novarese] it icon
* [http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0131.htm#juli Saints of January 31: Julius of Novara]