Tuesday, January 29, Third Week in Ordinary Time
From left: A children's book on Juniper; Murillo's 1618 painting; and the Brother Juniper cartoon.
Servant of God BROTHER JUNIPER [Fra Ginepro] (Italy, d 1258)
One of the original Franciscans with St. Francis
Little is known about Ginepro's life before he joined Francis and his band of brothers in 1210, except
that he was a close friend of Francis from his younger days. Although he has come down in Franciscan
annals as the 'Franciscan clown' or 'jester of the Lord', he was entrusted by Francis to set up
Franciscan 'places' in Gualdo and Viterbo, and he was with St. Clare, conforting her on her deathbed.
He was renowned for his simplicity and kindness. A 1618 Murillo painting depicts him about to give up
his garments to a beggar. Five centuries later, the 18th-century missionary Junipero Serra would take
his religious name from Francis's friend. In 1958-1989, Brother Juniper inspired a popular syndicated
cartoon depicting him in modern situations.
Readings from today's Mass: www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012913.cfm
AT THE VATICAN TODAY
No events announced for the Holy Father.
The Office for Papal Liturgical Celebrations released the Pope's calendar for February-March 2013.
A news conference was held to present the planned events for the 2ist World Day for the Sick, observed
by the Church annually on February 11, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This year, the celebration will be
centered at the Marian shrine of Altoetting in Germany.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 29/01/2013 17:03]