Julius I was Bishop of Rome from 337 to 352, during the height of the Arian controversy. He gave refuge to Saint Athanasius of Alexandria when Arian factions drove him from his see, and he defended Athanasius's orthodoxy before the Eastern bishops. He supported the Council of Sardica, which affirmed the right of accused bishops to appeal to Rome.
Julius stood firm for the truth of Christ's full divinity when it would have been easier to yield to powerful voices, and he sheltered the persecuted rather than abandon them. His steadiness reminds us that faithfulness sometimes means quietly protecting others and holding fast to what we know is true.
Saint Julius, faithful shepherd who defended the truth and welcomed the exile, pray for us, that we may hold fast to Christ and open our hearts to those who suffer. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →