It's the Feast of
St. Juliana Falconieri,
3rd Class, with the color of
White. In this episode: the meditation: "Our Answer to the Sacred Heart", today's news from the Church: "Leo XIV Appoints the President of EWTN News to Head Vatican Communications", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
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Sources Used Today:
- "Our Answer to the Sacred Heart" — From Trinity Sunday to the Assumption
- "Leo XIV Appoints the President of EWTN News to Head Vatican Communications" (FSSPX.news)
- The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press)
Please support our new project, the Archbishop Lefebvre Biography Audiobook!
Saint Juliana Falconieri grew up surrounded by saints, but she still had to become one herself.
She was born in Florence, Italy, in 1270, at a time when the city was filled with both great wealth and fierce political rivalries. Her family was deeply connected to the newly founded Servite Order. In fact, her uncle was Alexis Falconieri, and from an early age Juliana was exposed to men and women whose lives revolved around prayer, penance, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As a child, she seemed drawn almost naturally to the spiritual life. While other young nobles were being prepared for advantageous marriages, Juliana had different plans. She desired to belong entirely to God.
When she was still quite young, she consecrated her virginity and began living a life of prayer and sacrifice. Over time, other women were drawn to her example, and a community formed around her. These women eventually became known as the Mantellate, the women associated with the Servite Order. Juliana became their leader, though she never sought titles or recognition.
What stands out in her life is not dramatic preaching or public accomplishments. It is her humility.
Again and again, accounts from her life describe someone who avoided attention, preferred serving others to being served, and quietly carried out ordinary acts of charity. She cared for the sick, helped the poor, and spent long hours in prayer. Those around her often remarked on her gentleness and her deep devotion to the Passion of Christ and to Our Lady of Sorrows.
The most famous story connected to Juliana comes from the end of her life.
After years of fasting, penance, and illness, she became too weak to swallow solid food. As she lay dying, she longed to receive Holy Communion but could no longer consume the Sacred Host. According to the traditional account, the priest placed the Host upon a cloth over her chest. Moments later, the Host disappeared, and after her death a mark resembling the Eucharist was found over her heart.
Whether one focuses on the miracle itself or the devotion behind it, the story reveals what mattered most to Juliana: her love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
That love became the defining characteristic of her life.
Today, Florence still preserves memories of Juliana and the Servite saints. Pilgrims can visit churches connected with her life and with the remarkable spiritual movement that grew from the Seven Holy Founders.
Saint Juliana Falconieri, lover of the Holy Eucharist and daughter of Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
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