Falconieri, Juliana (1270–1341)
Falconieri, Juliana (1270–1341)
Italian saint and religious founder. Name variations: Guiliana. Born in 1270 in Florence; died in 1341 in Florence; niece of St. Alexis; never married; no children.
Little is known of Juliana Falconieri's childhood, except that she was born in Florence, dedicated her life to holy work at a young age, and felt a special connection to Mary the Virgin . Around 1285, the teenager established a new religious community, called the Mantellate Sisters. Its members were all female, and the primary purpose of the order was to pray and worship the Virgin and serve among the poor in her name. Juliana's unusual commitment and deep devotion earned her many supporters, even among the upper classes, who patronized the Mantellate order and helped Juliana's reputation spread across Italy. After her death at about age 71, Juliana's followers campaigned successfully for her canonization. Her feast day is on June 19.
Laura York, Riverside, California