Born to a wealthy family of merchants in 1270, Juliana Falconieri’s uncle was a mystic and the founder of the Servite order. Inspired by him, Juliana declined a marriage proposal from a wealthy young man and decided to consecrate her whole life to God. At 15 she took the habit of a Servite nun, and 19 years later she became the foundress of the Servite Order of Mary, dedicated to helping the poor. She developed a severe stomach illness and she couldn’t eat or drink anything without vomiting. In her last hours when she was given last rites, Juliana asked the priest to rest the Eucharist on her chest. When he did, it disappeared, and she died. The mark of the cross from the host was found imprinted on her skin under where the Eucharist was laid.
CHALLENGE
To avoid the sins of vanity, lust, and gossip, St. Juliana Falconieri never looked into a mirror, never looked at a man’s face, and would faint if she heard gossip. While these might seem extreme measures, consider how often what you look at and what you say or listen to lead you into sin. Today, begin a habit of praying for your guardian angel to help you have custody of your eyes, ears, and tongue.
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