⛪ Blessed Giuliana of Collalto

Blessed Giuliana of Collalto, born in 1186 in Collalto, Susegana, Treviso, Italy, was the daughter of Count Rambaldo VI and Countess Giovanna of Sant’Angelo of Mantua. Her noble heritage did not deter her from pursuing a life dedicated to religious service and charity. From an early age, Giuliana was steeped in Christian values, and at the tender age of 12, she entered the Benedictine convent of Santa Margherita di Salarola near Calaone, Italy. This early immersion in monastic life profoundly shaped her spiritual journey.

At the convent, Giuliana developed a close friendship with Blessed Beatrix of Este the Elder, who joined the community in 1220. This bond would later support her endeavors in establishing a new monastic foundation. Giuliana’s commitment to her faith and her desire to serve led her to found a Benedictine convent on the island of Spinalonga, now known as Giudecca, near Venice, Italy. As the abbess of this convent, she became renowned for her extraordinary charity and unwavering care for the poor, embodying the Benedictine spirit of hospitality and service.

Giuliana’s later years were marked by personal suffering. She began to experience severe headaches, which some believe were migraines. This personal affliction did not diminish her compassion; instead, it deepened her empathy for others who suffered from similar conditions. Her experience with migraines eventually led her to become a patron of those enduring such pain, reflecting her lifelong commitment to alleviating human suffering.

Miracles

Blessed Giuliana is remembered not only for her dedication but also for several miraculous events attributed to her intercession. Among the most notable miracles are:

• Healing of a Nun: Giuliana is said to have healed a nun's shattered and broken arm instantly through prayer, demonstrating her deep connection with the divine and her intercessory power.

• Liberation of a Prisoner: In another miracle, Giuliana prayed over the chains of an innocent man imprisoned unjustly. Her prayer resulted in the prison doors opening and the chains falling away, allowing his release.

• Christmas Miracle: During a severe storm on Christmas night that prevented the local priest from reaching the convent, Giuliana prayed for a solution. In response to her prayer, an angel appeared to the nuns carrying the Christ child, announcing the birth of Jesus, a vision that underscored her profound spiritual insight and connection with the divine.

Death and Relics

Blessed Giuliana died on September 1, 1262, in Venice, Italy. She was initially buried in the cemetery of the San Biagio church of the Spinalonga convent. The location of her grave was lost over time, but in 1297, small flaming torches were seen hovering over it, leading to the rediscovery of her incorrupt body. This miraculous preservation further confirmed her sanctity.

Her relics were enshrined in a wooden sarcophagus in 1733 and have since been moved to several locations:

• 1810: To the church of the Redeemer in Venice.
• 1820: To the Saint Anne chapel at the parish church of Saint Euphemia in Venice.
• Present Day: Some relics are enshrined in a church in Collalto, Italy. The original wooden sarcophagus is now on exhibit in the Museo Correr in Venice.

Beatification

Blessed Giuliana was beatified on May 20, 1753, by Pope Benedict XIV, who confirmed her cultus and acknowledged her virtues.

Patronage

She is venerated as the patron saint against headaches, migraines, and for migraine sufferers, reflecting her own experiences and her deep empathy for those enduring similar ailments.

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