Saint Veronica Giuliani

Biography

Saint Veronica Giuliani, also known as Ursula Giuliani, Veronica de Julianis, or Weronika Giuliani, was born into a wealthy family as Ursula Giuliani in 1660 in Mercatello, Duchy of Urbino, which is part of modern Italy. From a young age, Ursula showed a deep spirituality and a strong desire to dedicate her life to God.

One of the remarkable aspects of Ursula's story is that her first words were reported to be "Do justice, God sees you," which she spoke to a dishonest merchant. This incident demonstrates her early commitment to righteousness and justice. Despite her family's attempts to arrange a marriage for her, Ursula fell ill at the thought of not being able to fulfill her calling to religious life. Eventually, her father gave his blessing for her to enter the religious life.

At the age of 17, on July 17, 1677, Ursula joined the Poor Clares in Città di Castello, Umbria, Italy. On October 28, she received the veil and took the name Veronica. Throughout her life, Veronica experienced numerous visions, which she held sacred in her heart. In 1693, she received visions predicting that she would experience the Passion in her own soul. The following year, in 1694, Veronica began displaying the stigmata, with visible wounds resembling the crown of thorns.

On Good Friday in 1697, Veronica received additional wounds on her hands, feet, and side, mirroring the wounds of Christ's crucifixion. Despite enduring physical pain and fervently submitting to medical treatment and numerous examinations, Veronica never sought to prove the authenticity of her stigmata. Instead, she silently suffered through the wounds, the examinations, and the scorn of those around her.

Veronica Giuliani served as the novice mistress for over thirty years, sharing her wisdom and guiding other aspiring religious individuals. During her time as novice mistress, she emphasized the importance of practical devotion and urged her novices to become the practical brides of Christ. In 1716, Veronica was chosen as the abbess of her house and held this significant position for over a decade.

Veronica is best known for her extensive diary, spanning ten volumes, which she titled "Diary of the Passion." In this diary, she meticulously documented her religious experiences, giving future generations valuable insight into her spiritual journey.

Crowned with thorns and embracing the Cross, Veronica Giuliani is often depicted holding a heart marked with a cross. She is remembered for her profound devotion to Christ, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her enduring example of humility and sacrifice.

On July 9, 1727, Veronica Giuliani passed away in Città di Castello, Italy, due to natural causes. When her body was examined, it was discovered that the figure of the cross was imprinted upon her heart, a remarkable testament to her deep spirituality. Her body remains incorrupt to this day.

Veronica Giuliani was beatified on June 18, 1804, by Pope Pius VII, and was subsequently canonized on May 26, 1839, by Pope Gregory XVI. Although she does not have a specific patronage, her life and spiritual teachings continue to inspire many to this day.

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