Who is Saint Julia of Corsica?
Julia was a noble Christian maiden of Carthage. When she was still very young, the city was conquered by the Vandals and Julia was taken and sold as a slave to a pagan merchant of Syria named Eusebius.
Julia lived an exemplary life, praying and reading holy books. She performed the most humble tasks with wonderful cheerfulness. Julia loved God with all her heart. She became a prized servant.
Eusebius, an importer of Eastern goods, took Julia with him on a journey to Gaul. At the northern part of Corsica (Cape Corso), their ship cast anchor. Eusebius went ashore to take part in a local pagan festival. Julia remained behind.
The governor of the island regarded Julia’s absence as an insult. He offered to grant her freedom if she would join the pagan festival. She refused, saying that all the liberty she desired was the freedom to continue serving her Lord, Jesus Christ. Her boldness enraged the governor. When Eusebius fell into a drunken sleep, Julia was taken. She was tortured and crucified.
Monks from the island of Giraglia rescued her body and kept it until 763, when it was transported to the seminary at Brescia. Sculptures of her (12th Century) survive there in the Christian Museum. These depict her both holding a cross and being crucified.
Miracles:
- The miracle of Saint Julia’s Cross: One of the most famous miracles associated with Saint Julia is the burning cross that appeared on her chest. When she was now sold as a slave, she refused to renounce her faith in Christ, even amid brutal torture. As her defiance grew, a burning cross miraculously appeared on her chest, signifying her unwavering faith and dedication to Christianity even in the face of death.
- Miracles after her Martyrdom: Following her death, many miracles were reported at her tomb and are attributed to her intercession. Pilgrims would visit her burial place and pray for her help and intercession. There are reports of miraculous healings and other wonders occurring for those who prayed in her name. These miracles contributed significantly to the spread of her cult, leading to her canonization.
- The Miracle of the Translation of her Body: In the 8th century, her body was reportedly moved (or ‘translated’) from Corsica to Brescia. This journey over water without the decomposition of her body was seen as a miracle, further attesting to her sanctity.
**note: Information about Saint Julia’s life, including her miracles, can be found in the Passio Sanctae Juliae.
