St. Juliana of Mount Cornillon was a Belgian nun and visionary who is known for her profound devotion to the Eucharist and her role in advocating for the institution of the Feast of Corpus Christi.
St. Juliana of Mount Cornillon was born in 1192 in Liège, Belgium. She entered a convent at a young age, where she became known for her deep spiritual devotion and mystical experiences. During her time as a nun, she experienced a series of visions that were to play a pivotal role in the development of a new liturgical feast.
One of St. Juliana's most significant contributions to the Church was her advocacy for the Feast of Corpus Christi, which celebrates the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. In one of her visions, Juliana saw the Church as a full moon with one dark spot, which she interpreted as the lack of a feast dedicated specifically to the Eucharist. She felt that there was a need for such a feast to honor the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and to deepen the Church's devotion to this sacred mystery.
Juliana's vision led her to speak to others about her experience, and she became a strong advocate for the institution of the Feast of Corpus Christi. Her advocacy was instrumental in the eventual establishment of the feast by Pope Urban IV in 1264. The feast is now celebrated worldwide, and it remains a significant feast in the Church’s liturgical calendar.
St. Juliana’s mystical visions and profound love for the Eucharist were central to her spiritual life. She lived in strict devotion and asceticism, seeking to grow closer to God through prayer, penance, and charity. Her life of sacrifice and devotion to the Eucharist made her an important figure in the medieval Church.
She passed away on April 6, 1258, leaving behind a legacy of deep faith and devotion to the Eucharist. Though not officially canonized, St. Juliana is recognized as a saint by many, and her feast day is celebrated on April 6. Her life and work continue to inspire the faithful, especially those devoted to the Eucharist.