Julia of Corsica

Saint Julia of Corsica was born in Carthage, in North Africa, and lived in the troubled years when the Vandals seized her city. Taken captive, she was sold into the service of a pagan master named Eusebius. Though treated as property, Julia belonged wholly to Christ: she served with humility, and in her free moments she prayed, read sacred words, and fasted, growing thin in body but strong in faith. While traveling by ship, Eusebius anchored at Cap Corse. There, local officials and revelers were offering pagan sacrifices. Julia refused to join their worship and mourned their error. Enraged, the magistrate Felix demanded that she sacrifice to the gods, offering wealth and even freedom if she would deny Christ. Julia would not. She was seized from the ship and, for her steadfast confession and virginity, suffered martyrdom. Venerated as a patron saint of Corsica, Saint Julia is also honored in places such as Castellaccio, Livorno, and Valle Benedetta. Her feast day is May 22.