Juliana Falconieri
Juliana Falconieri was an Italian foundress of the Religious Sisters of the Third Order of Servites. She is remembered for her devout life, her charitable work caring for the sick, and a putative miracle at her death involving the Eucharistic host. Canonized in 1737, she is honored with a feast day on June 19.
- Feast Day
- June 19
- Century
- 14th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Juliana Falconieri was the foundress of the Religious Sisters of the Third Order of Servites.
- ›She belonged to the noble Falconieri family of Florence and was influenced by her uncle, Alexis Falconieri, one of the Servite Order's founders.
- ›She received the habit of the Third Order of the Servites around 1285 and moved into a convent with companions in 1305.
- ›Juliana served as Superior of the community for 35 years, focusing on caring for the sick and devotion to our Lady of Sorrows.
- ›A miracle is said to have occurred at her death, where the Eucharistic host she received disappeared and a cross-like mark was found on her breast.
- ›She was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737.
Mantellate Sisters, Servite Tertiaries
Third Order of Servites
Host On Breast, Cross
About Juliana Falconieri
Juliana Falconieri (1270 – June 19, 1341) was an Italian foundress of a religious order. She is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church and is chiefly remembered for her dedication to the sick and the establishment of the Religious Sisters of the Third Order of Servites.
Life and Historical Context
Born into the noble Falconieri family of Florence, Juliana was influenced by her uncle, Alexis Falconieri, one of the seven founders of the Servite Order. Her parents had contributed to the construction of Santissima Annunziata, the mother church of the Servites. At a young age, she decided to pursue a consecrated life. After her father's death, she received the habit of the Third Order of the Servites around 1285 from Philip Benizi, the Prior General of the Order. She lived at home following Benizi's rule until her mother's death. In 1305, Juliana and several companions moved into their own house, which became the first convent of the Sisters of the Third Order of Servites. Juliana served as the Superior of this community until her death.
Religious Order and Ministry
The order founded by Juliana, known as the Mantellate Sisters or the Servite Tertiaries, followed a rule that included a devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows and a primary activity of caring for the sick. Their distinctive dress consisted of a black gown with short sleeves, a leather girdle, and a white veil, which led to their nickname "Mantellate." Juliana was noted for her deep spiritual experiences, often falling into long moments of ecstasy, and for her hands-on care for the sick in streets, homes, and hospitals. She led the community for 35 years, acting more as a servant than a mistress to her subordinates.
Canonization and Legacy
Immediately following her death, Juliana Falconieri was honored as a saint. A putative miracle is associated with her death: unable to receive Holy Communion due to constant vomiting, she requested the priest to place the Eucharistic host on a corporal spread over her chest. The host then disappeared, and an image of a cross, identical to the one on the host, was found on her breast. The Servite Order received papal approval in 1420. Pope Benedict XIII recognized the long-standing devotion to her, and Pope Clement XII formally canonized her in 1737, extending her feast day, June 19, to the entire Church. Juliana is typically depicted in her order's habit with a host upon her breast.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Juliana Falconieri?
Juliana Falconieri was an Italian noblewoman who founded the Religious Sisters of the Third Order of Servites, also known as the Mantellate Sisters. She lived in Florence and was deeply devoted to her faith and charitable works.
What is Juliana Falconieri known for?
She is primarily known for founding the Servite Tertiaries, an order dedicated to caring for the sick. She is also remembered for her mystical experiences, including prolonged ecstasies, and a miraculous event at her death involving the Eucharist.
When did Juliana Falconieri live and die?
Juliana Falconieri was born in 1270 and died on June 19, 1341. Her life and ministry took place primarily in Florence during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
What is the feast day of Saint Juliana Falconieri?
The feast day of Saint Juliana Falconieri is celebrated on June 19, the date of her death. This feast day was extended to the entire Church by Pope Clement XII.
What is the putative miracle associated with Juliana Falconieri?
A putative miracle at Juliana's death involved her inability to receive Holy Communion due to illness. A priest placed the Eucharistic host on a corporal on her chest, and it is said to have disappeared, leaving the image of a cross on her breast.
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