For the Greater Glory of the Sacred Heart
Feast: May 17th
The daughter of Adelaide Valentino and Diego Salzano came into the word on October 13th, 1846. Her father was a captain in the Lancers of King Ferdinand II of Naples, Italy, and died when Giulia was only 4-years-old. The child was subsequently raised and educated by the Sisters of Charity in the orphanage of St. Nicola La Strada, where she lived until the age of fifteen.
The influence of the sisters determined her later choice of vocation as a school teacher and catechist in the town of Casoria. She worked closely with another religious founder - Caterina Volpicelli (d. 1894, now a Saint) - who was a mystic and a personal friend, who strongly encouraged her in establishing a new religious congregation dedicated to the Christian education of the poor. As a result, the Congregation of the Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was founded in 1905.
The new foundress emphasized to her spiritual daughters the importance of their educational ministry with the following statement:
“The Sister Catechist must be ready,
at every moment, to instruct the little
ones and the uneducated. She must not
count the sacrifices such a ministry
demands, indeed she should desire to
die while doing it, if this be God's will.”
... and expressed her complete dedication to their congregation's purpose with:
“While I have any life left in me, I will continue to teach the catechism. And then,
I assure you, I would be very happy to die
teaching the catechism.”
During her lifetime, Mother Giulia was noted for her great devotion to the Blessed Virgin, as well as to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom she dedicated her congregation. She promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart and achieved a deep union with Christ, which was transmitted in the love she showered on her spiritual daughters and their students. Mother Giulia truly lived her personal motto:
“Ad Maiorem Cordis Iesu Gloriam.”
(For the Greater Glory of the Heart of Jesus)
Giulia Salzano died on May 17, 1929, surrounded by her beloved nuns. She was Beatified in April 2003 and declared a Saint in October 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. Her charism of Christian education continues today in Brazil, Canada, India, Peru, and the Philippines through the dedicated ministry of her congregation.
The Holy Relics of St. Giulia Salzano, publicly displayed in Casoria, Italy, during
her Canonization Festivities in 2010.
A Reflection
"All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice..." ~ 2 Timothy 3:16
A Short Prayer
Lord, help us to follow the example of St. Giulia in teaching the truths of our Faith to those who thirst for your love and goodness. Amen.
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