Early Life and Background

St. Veronica Giuliani was born as Orsola Giuliani on December 27, 1660, in Mercatello sul Metauro, in the Duchy of Urbino, Italy. She was the youngest of seven daughters born to Francesco Giuliani and Benedetta Mancini, a pious and aristocratic family. From an early age, Orsola displayed remarkable piety and a contemplative nature.

Religious Vocation

At age 17, Orsola entered the Capuchin Poor Clares Monastery at Città di Castello, in Umbria, taking the religious name Veronica. She made her solemn profession on October 28, 1678. Her life as a cloistered nun was marked by strict asceticism, deep devotion, and repeated mystical experiences.

Mystical Experiences and the Stigmata

St. Veronica Giuliani became renowned for her profound mystical experiences, which she documented in a spiritual diary spanning over 22,000 handwritten pages. On Good Friday in 1697, she received the stigmata—visible wounds mirroring those of Christ—which underwent canonical investigation. After careful examination, her authenticity and holiness were reaffirmed.

Later Life and Abbess

In 1716, Veronica was appointed abbess of her monastery. She led her sisters with humility, wisdom, and maternal care, emphasizing obedience, poverty, and the love of Christ Crucified. Her guidance nurtured the spiritual growth of her community and deepened their collective devotion.

Death and CanonizationSt. Veronica Giuliani died on July 9, 1727, at Città di Castello. Her body was found to be incorrupt upon exhumation, a phenomenon revered by the faithful. Pope Pius VII beatified her on June 17, 1804, and she was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI on May 26, 1839.

Saint Veronica Giuliani Pray for us!