St. Julia of Corsica
Keep running up that hill
Julia was a girl of Carthaginian origin who was sold into slavery when it was discovered she was a Christian. Her master, Eusebius, was so delighted with her work ethic that he allowed her time off every now and again. She would use this time to read and pray. Despite Eusebius’s efforts, Julia would not be swayed from the Faith.
While on a merchant trip, Roman authorities were sacrificing to the pagan gods and discovered not everyone had come off of Eusebius’s ship to do the same. Eusebius initially protected Julia because he valued her hard work, but while he was sleeping, a mob descended on Julia and brought her to shore. They insisted that she sacrifice to the gods and she would be given her freedom, but she refused, saying, “My liberty is the service of Christ, whom I serve every day with a pure mind. As for that error of yours, I not only do not venerate it, I detest it.”
Julia was then cruelly tortured. With every blow to her face she would say, “Christ was struck for me, so why should I not be struck for him.” When she was flogged, she gave the same response. Finally, she was burned and it is said that a dove descended upon her after she was taken to heaven.
Julia is steadfastness embodied. She is uniting oneself, especially through one’s sufferings, to Christ. She is remarkable because of her faith. No wonder she’s so beloved.
St. Julia of Corsica, pray for us!
If you’d like to leave me a little tip, buy me a coffee (or energy drink), Venmo and PayPal are always welcome. God bless yinz.