St. Juliana Falconieri, an Italian mystic and co-founder of the Order of the Servants of Mary (Servites), dedicated her life to the service of God and others. She is remembered for her piety, humility, and dedication to the poor.
St. Juliana Falconieri was born on January 11, 1270, in Florence, Italy, into a noble family. From an early age, Juliana felt a deep calling to a life of devotion and service to God. She was particularly drawn to the idea of religious life, and she spent much of her youth in prayer and contemplation.
She became a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, a lay order that allowed her to live a life of religious devotion without taking formal vows. Juliana’s intense spiritual life and her acts of charity to the poor were well-known in Florence, and her example inspired many around her.
In 1233, Juliana joined the newly founded Order of the Servants of Mary, which had been established by seven Florentine men who were deeply inspired by the example of the Virgin Mary and wanted to dedicate their lives to prayer, penance, and service to others. Although she did not formally take the habit as a religious, she became closely associated with the Servite order, dedicating her life to their ideals of humility, charity, and service to the poor.
St. Juliana’s life was marked by a profound love of God and an unwavering commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of others. She spent much of her life caring for the sick, the poor, and the marginalized members of society. Despite her noble birth, she lived with extreme humility, often giving away her wealth to support those in need.
Juliana’s mystical experiences were also an important aspect of her life. She was known for her deep prayer life, her visions, and her spiritual guidance. She lived in a spirit of constant prayer and devotion, which led her to experience moments of intense union with God.
She passed away on June 19, 1341, at the age of 71. After her death, she was venerated for her holiness, her service to others, and her profound spirituality. In 1737, she was canonized by Pope Clement XII, and her feast day is celebrated on June 19, the anniversary of her death.