Saint Juliana has traditionally been invoked for the safe delivery of women in labor and protection from fever and contagious diseases. She was born in Nicomedia to a pagan named Africanus, who promised her in marriage to a young noble named Evilase. Juliana insisted that she would marry him if he became the prefect of Nicomedia. By the time he became prefect, she had converted to Christianity and asked him to become a Christian before they could marry. Her father hated Christians and tortured Juliana to change her mind, but she didn't budge. Evilase used his power as prefect, called her before the tribunal, and denounced her as a Christian. She was burned, boiled in oil, and beheaded in 305 AD. Her relics are at Cumae, Naples, Italy. Her life was recorded by the Venerable Saint Bede and remained inspirational throughout medieval times, with epic poems describing her battle and victory over the devil.
Saint Juliana, you gave your life rather than renounce the virginity you had promised in witness to Christ. Pray for us to rise out of the bondage of our earthly desires and attain the glory of the Heavenly Kingdom.
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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