Feast day: June 19
When Juliana was very young, her father died, and she was raised by her mother, with help from her uncle. Juliana’s uncle was one of the “Seven Holy Founders” of the Servite (Servants of Mary) order. When Juliana was about fifteen, she received the habit of the Third Order of Servites and stayed at home until her mother’s death. At that time, Juliana and several companions moved into a house of their own. So began the first convent of the Sisters of the Third Order of Servites.
The Servite Sisters devoted themselves to the care of the sick and other works of mercy. Juliana remained their Superior until the end of her life. She saw her role not as a superior but as a servant to her sisters. Since her death, Saint Juliana has been a powerful intercessor for those suffering from serious illnesses. Her tomb is inside the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation in Florence.
She was officially canonized in 1737 by Pope Clement XII. A statue of Saint Juliana Falconieri can be found in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
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