Born in 1205 to a wealthy family of nobles in Belgium, not much is known about the early life of Eva of Liège. At some point in her teens or early twenties, she became an anchoress, living in a cell attached to the Basilica of St. Martin, and she spent her life in prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Another nun, Juliana, had a similar devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and befriended Eva. Juliana confided in Eva about a vision she had as a teen during Eucharistic adoration, and also of her desire to institute a feast of Eucharistic veneration. The cause for the feast was elevated to their bishop. St. Juliana died, but Eva continued promoting the cause until it was instituted as the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
CHALLENGE
When faced with the trials of her office of superioress, it was in Blessed Eva’s cell where St. Juliana found refuge. Blessed Eva continued the cause for Corpus Christi, and—at the pope’s request—it was to her that St. Thomas Aquinas sent a copy of the office of readings he composed for the feast. Holy friends are priceless. How are you a holy friend to others? Who are your holy friends?
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