Brother Juniper is called ""the renowned jester of the Lord"" and was one of the original followers of St Francis of Assisi. In the year 1210, he was received into the Order of Friars Minor by St Francis himself. Francis sent him to establish ""places"" for the friars in Gualdo Tadino and Viterbo. When Saint Clare was dying, Juniper consoled her. He was devoted to the passion of Jesus and was known for his simplicity.
Several stories about Juniper in the 'Little Flowers of St. Francis' illustrate his exasperating generosity. Once, Juniper was caring for a sick man who had a craving to eat pig's feet. This friar went to a nearby field, captured a pig, cut off one foot, and served this meal to the sick man. The pig's owner was furious and immediately went to Juniper's superior. When Juniper saw his mistake, he apologized profusely. He also ended up talking with 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, Brother 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. Brother Juniper died in 1258 and is buried at Ara Coeli Church in Rome.
Prayer
Lord, enable us to humble ourselves like Brother Juniper and help us to extend the victory of Your cross.
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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