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| Santa Giuliana, ora pro nobis |
According to tradition, St. Juliana was born to a noble family in Nicomedia. She converted to Christianity and refused to marry her betrothed, who was a pagan. Denounced as a Christian, she was tortured and eventually beheaded during the great persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. She was only 18 years old.
Her remains were to be transferred to Rome but ended up at Cuma when the ship sank off the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. [Alternate versions claim she was originally from Cuma, and the Nicomedian birth and translation were later embellishments to her story.]
In 1207 the saint’s relics were translated to Naples after the Neapolitans conquered Cuma. They are currently preserved in the crypt of San Guglielmo at the Santuario di Montevergine in Avellino.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Juliana of Nicomedia. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Santa Giuliana!
Prayer to St. Juliana of Nicomedia
Lord God, You gave St. Juliana the crown of eternal joy because she gave her life rather than renounce the virginity she had promised in witness to Christ. Encouraged by her generosity, help us to rise out of the bondage of our earthly desires and attain to the glory of your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. One God, for ever and ever. Amen
