Saints Julian and Basilissa

Did you know that married lay people can become saints? Saints Julian and Basilissa, though married, lived in chastity by mutual consent about 304, in Antioch during the reign of Diocletian. They used all their money in relieving the sick and converted their home into a hospital which sometimes housed thousands. Saint Basilissa tended the sick women in one part of the house while Saint Julian ministered to the men in another part. Saint Julian came to be known as the hospitalarian.

Saint Basilissa died before Saint Julian after several persecutions; Saint Julian lived many years longer. Although they both died in peace, the Church calls them martyrs for all they endured.

Sts. Julian and Basilissa, pray for us.