Servant of God Brother Juniper
On The Grapevine 43
Brother Juniper was known for his "exasperating generosity" and perfect patience. He joined the Franciscan Friars in 1210, and was sent to Gualdo Tadino and Viterbo by St. Francis of Assisi to establish "places" for the Friars. Brother Juniper gave everything he had to the poor. In fact, his fellow friars began to think he was giving too much to the poor! He commonly came home without a tunic, or sandals, or other basic necessities because he'd given them away. He also gave away whatever he found lying around where the Friars lived. Finally, they seem to have gotten sick of seeing him come home shirtless, and forbade him from giving away his clothes. So he reportedly told the next beggar who asked "I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to give away any more of my clothes - but if you took my tunic, I wouldn't stop you!" Brother Juniper died in 1258. You can read more about him HERE.
- Meagan
- Meagan
Brother Juniper, pray for us!