Juliana Falconieri

Saint Juliana Falconieri was born in 1270 into the noble Falconieri family of Florence, where her parents helped fund the great church of Santissima Annunziata, closely linked to the Servite Order. Inspired by her uncle, Saint Alexis Falconieri, one of the seven Servite founders, Juliana embraced a consecrated life while still young. After her father’s death, she received the habit of the Servite Third Order around 1285 from Saint Philip Benizi and lived a hidden life of prayer and service at home until her mother died. In 1305 Juliana and several companions formed a community that became the first convent of the Servite Tertiaries, later known as the Mantellate Sisters. For 35 years she guided them with humble charity, fostering deep devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows and a tireless care for the sick in streets, homes, and hospitals. Tradition recalls a Eucharistic miracle at her death, when the Host could not be received and a cross was found imprinted upon her breast. Venerated for her holiness and compassion, she is a patron for those suffering from disease. Her feast day is June 19.