For nine consecutive days we turn to Saint Veronica Giuliani, whose liturgical memorial is celebrated on July 9, defined by Pope Pius: “Not a saint but a giant of holiness”.
A journey of prayer but also of knowledge of her life which is a concentration of spiritual gifts, charisms, mystical experiences that make Saint Veronica Giuliani an exceptional figure.
Let us remember that Saint Veronica Giuliani is the only stigmatized Capuchin nun in history. Let us retrace together, day by day, the stages of her amazing existence to get to know her better.
The Life of Saint Veronica Giuliani, Part Three
During his childhood, hearing the lives of the martyrs read, Ursula conceived the great desire to suffer for the love of Jesus. Once he purposely put his little hand in the fire of a foot warmer and burned it all over without shedding a tear.
He disciplined himself with a thick rope; he walked on his knees; he drew crosses on the ground with his tongue; he stood for long periods with his arms open in the shape of a cross; he pricked himself with thorns. And he also built disproportionate crosses on his shoulders, eager to do all that the Lord had done who, during Holy Week, showed himself to her covered in sores.
For the love of God, Ursula had compassion for the poor to whom she generously gave what she had. She would later write: “I seemed to see our Lord when I saw them.”
Novena to Saint Veronica Giuliani, third day
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
From the throne of glory where you were elevated by the fullness of your merits, our beloved Saint Veronica, deign to listen to the humble and fervent prayer that, constrained by tribulation, we address to you. The divine Spouse whom you loved so much and for whom you suffered so muchwill listen to a single beat of your heart that so many times brought close to His and a simple gesture of your hand, like His, wounded by the stigmata of the Passion.
Tell the Lord the great needs of our soul, so often arid, tempted and indolent. (Name what is troubling us at this moment ……….) Tell him as you did one day: “Lord, with your own wounds I invoke you, with your own love. If the graces asked for will increase this love of yours in those who await it, listen to me, O Lord, answer me, O Lord”.
O dear Saint, true image of the Crucifix, your prayer will not be disappointed, and we, once again, will be able to bless your name and your suffering which gave you so much light of glory and so much power of intercession.
3 Pater, Ave, Gloria.
