Juliana Falconieri (1270–1341)

Biography

She was born in Florence to a wealthy family, and was an only child. Her father having died when she was very little, her mother and uncle prepared an honorable marriage for her, but she let them know that she had made the decision to remain single and dedicate her life to prayer, charity, and the apostolate. He received the Tertiary badge of the Servants of Mary, which was a mantle or scarf on the head. She continued living at home but observing behavior like that of a fervent nun. Others liked this way of living their Christian life and followed his example. They chose Juliana as superior and their association was called “Servants of the Virgin Mary.” Those who had dealings with her agreed that her kindness and charity, always seeking the good of others, were extraordinary. Many sinners were converted after having a talk with Juliana, the one with the “scarf.” In his last illness, no longer being able to pass the host, he asked Our Lord to allow him to take communion one last time and asked the priest to place the host on a cloth placed over his heart. The host disappeared and Juliana died at that moment with a smile of immense joy. Later they found a scar in the shape of a host on his chest, and that is why the Servants of the Virgin Mary wear a medal with the Holy Host engraved next to their hearts.