Who was Saint Juliana and what is she known for?
Saint Juliana of Liège, also known as Saint Juliana of Cornillon, was a 13th-century Belgian nun whose devotion and visions played a significant role in the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Her religious fervor and dedication to her faith led to the recognition of this important liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church.
Early Life and Visions
Saint Juliana was born in Retinne, near Liège, Belgium in 1193. At the age of five, both her parents died, and she was entrusted to the care of the Augustinian nuns at the Mont-Cornillon monastery in Liège. She became a nun herself at the age of 14 and spent her life practicing intense devotion to the Eucharist.
During her time at the monastery, Saint Juliana experienced a series of visions which she believed were messages from God. In one of her visions, she saw the moon in its full splendor with a dark spot indicating the absence of a feast honoring the Body of Christ. She interpreted this vision as a message to establish a special liturgical day to honor the Eucharist.
Persistent Advocacy
In obedience to these visions, Saint Juliana confided in her confessor and local clergy about her desire to establish a feast day specifically focused on the Eucharist. Initially, her proposal was met with skepticism and hesitation. However, she persisted in her advocacy for the feast, hoping that it would emphasize and reinforce the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Saint Juliana's visions and passion for this feast day soon gained recognition and support from influential clergy and theologians, including Jacques Pantaléon, who later became Pope Urban IV. Pope Urban IV eventually issued a papal bull in 1264, instituting the annual celebration of Corpus Christi in the Catholic Church.
Legacy and Significance
The establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi was a significant development in the Catholic Church, as it highlighted the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Through her unwavering dedication and belief in her visions, Saint Juliana played a key role in emphasizing this fundamental aspect of Catholic faith.
The celebration of Corpus Christi includes a procession where the Eucharist is carried through the streets, accompanied by hymns, prayers, and public displays of devotion. It serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a public declaration of faith in His real presence.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Q: When is the Feast of Corpus Christi celebrated?
A: The Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which falls on the eighth Thursday following Easter Sunday. It is usually observed between late May and early June.
