Saint Juliana Falconieri

Saint Juliana Falconieri lived a quiet life full of prayer, service, and love for the sick. She is also sometimes called Giuliana Falconieri, based on the Italian version of her name. She was born into a noble family, but she chose to give up comfort and live simply for God. She spent her life helping others, especially the poor and the sick.

Juliana is known as the founder of the Servite Sisters, a religious group of women who lived in prayer and cared for those in need. Her example of kindness and faith made her well known, even though she never looked for attention.

People remember Juliana not for big speeches or big actions, but for small acts done with love. She did not try to gain power or praise. She simply wanted to serve others for the sake of Christ.

She is often shown in art wearing the habit of her order and sometimes holding a lily or a cross. These are signs of her purity and devotion. Another symbol linked to her is the Eucharist, because of a special story from the end of her life.

Juliana’s feast day is June 19. She is honored by Catholics around the world as a saint who lived with deep love for God and care for the suffering.

Juliana was born around the year 1270 in Florence, Italy. Her family was rich and respected. They were known for being good Christians and for giving to the poor. From a young age, Juliana showed a love for prayer and a wish to follow Jesus closely.

Her uncle, Saint Alexis Falconieri, was one of the seven founders of the Servite Order. This order focused on prayer, community, and devotion to the Mother of Jesus, especially in her suffering. Juliana grew up hearing stories of faith and service from her uncle and others in the Servite family.

Even though her parents could have arranged a good marriage for her, Juliana chose a different path. She wanted to remain unmarried and give her whole life to God. She asked to wear the habit of the Servite Order, and after some time, she was allowed to do so.

As a young woman, Juliana began to live more simply. She gave up rich clothes and fine food. She spent time in prayer and helped those in need. She also gathered other women who felt called to do the same.

Her early life shows us how someone can be set apart even in childhood. While others her age may have been thinking of wealth or marriage, Juliana was already thinking of how she could give more to God and others.

With the blessing of her uncle and the Servite friars, Juliana helped begin a new group of women who would live like the Servite brothers but in their own way. These women became known as the Servite Sisters, or more formally, the Servite Tertiaries.

Juliana was not a proud leader. She was more like a quiet guide. She called herself the “servant of the servants.” She never took a big title or acted above the others. She believed that real leadership meant service.

The Servite Sisters lived simply. They wore a black habit, prayed together, and worked to help the poor and the sick. They spent much of their time caring for people who had no one else. They did not live in luxury. Their joy came from giving.

Juliana taught the sisters to be humble, to trust in God, and to serve with joy. She also encouraged them to stay close to the Virgin Mary and to pray often. Their work was not easy, but they did it with faith.

As the group grew, more women joined. The Servite Sisters spread to other places and became known for their kindness and care. Juliana’s way of living had become a light for many others.

Juliana continued to live this simple life for many years. She helped the sick, prayed daily, and guided the sisters with care. She did not seek comfort for herself. Her joy was in loving others and being close to God.

Even in her later years, when her health became worse, Juliana stayed faithful. She could no longer eat solid food because of illness, and she suffered greatly. Still, she did not complain.

There is a story from the end of her life that many people remember. As she was dying, she could not swallow and asked to receive the Eucharist. Since she could not take it by mouth, the priest placed the host on a cloth near her chest. Soon after, the host disappeared, and a mark in the shape of a cross appeared where it had been.

This event was seen as a sign of Juliana’s deep love for Christ in the Eucharist. It also showed her closeness to God at the end of her life. Many believed this was a miracle.

Juliana died around the year 1341. The sisters mourned her deeply, but they knew she had gone home to the Lord. Her body was later placed in a church in Florence, where people came to pray and ask for her intercession.

Juliana Falconieri was remembered with great love by those who knew her. Over time, stories of her kindness and faith spread beyond Florence. People came to see her as a model of Christian service and quiet strength.

She was declared a saint by Pope Clement XII in the year 1737. The Church recognized her holy life and the good she had done for so many people. Her feast day is now celebrated each year on June 19.

Saint Juliana is the patron saint of the sick, especially those who suffer stomach problems or cannot eat. This is linked to the story of her final Communion. Many people pray to her for healing and comfort in times of illness.

Her legacy lives on in the Servite Sisters, who still serve in different parts of the world. They continue to care for the poor, teach the faith, and help people in need. Their work is a living sign of Juliana’s spirit.

Saint Juliana Falconieri shows us that love and service can be quiet and simple but still strong. Her life reminds us that giving to others, even in small ways, brings us closer to God.

More Than Bread and Wine

Saint Juliana Falconieri loved the Eucharist more than anything. Even when she was too sick to receive it, she asked for the Host to be placed on her chest. The Eucharist disappeared, and she died in peace, united with Jesus.

Her whole life pointed to this one truth: Jesus is really present in the Eucharist. That belief kept her strong, and it’s what keeps many of us in the Church no matter what happens. When you believe Jesus is truly there, where else would you go?

She was born in Florence, Italy, in 1270. That’s Renaissance land—paintings, palaces, and pretty sandals.

She came from a rich family. But instead of parties, she wanted prayer.

Her uncle was a saint too—Saint Alexis Falconieri, one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order. Holiness ran in the family!

As a kid, she loved going to church more than playing games. That’s dedication.

She asked to join the Servite Order. But back then, it was just for men. Again with the no-girls rule! So her uncle helped her start a branch for women. Girl power, Servite style.

She became the first Servite nun and later their leader. She was called “Mother Juliana” even though she wasn’t a mom.

She and her sisters didn’t live in a convent at first. They stayed in their homes and helped the poor. Like a holy neighborhood club. They wore long black habits with big hoods. Simple, not stylish—but full of love.

She spent hours in prayer. Sometimes whole nights. Her room probably glowed with grace. She cared for the sick with her own hands. No gloves, no fuss—just kindness.

She fasted so much that by the end of her life, she couldn’t even swallow food. When she was dying, she really wanted to receive Holy Communion but couldn’t. So the priest placed the host on her chest. The host disappeared—and left a mark over her heart. Miracle alert! Jesus went straight to her heart.

After she died, people started calling her the “living tabernacle” because Jesus literally rested on her heart.

Her body is still incorrupt. That means it hasn’t decayed. Like, really! She’s still resting in Florence.

She’s the patron saint of sick people and people with stomach problems. Makes sense, since she had a lot of those herself.

Her symbol is the Servite habit and the image of the host over her heart.