The Basics: Born December 7, 1935, in Romania; died August 24, 1958, in Romania; beatified September 22, 2018; feast day, August 26. Laywoman and martyr.
The Story: What would you do if you felt called to serve the Lord in a particular way–but couldn’t, for reasons out of your control? That’s the situation in which Romania’s first beatified woman found herself. Veronica believed she was built to become a religious sister. However, the communist government had closed all the convents. So, Veronica created a small “cell” at home, a hermitage of sorts, and became a lay Franciscan. She dedicated her life to Christ, walking five miles each day to receive the Eucharist, joining the Army of the Immaculate One that had been formed by St. Maxmilian Kolbe, and singing in the choir. Among her spiritual reading was information about Maria Goretti, who had been canonized in 1950. Veronica confided to friends she thought she would die as Maria had, defending her purity.
That belief became reality when Veronica was twenty-two. She was on her way home from a parish activity one night when a young man began harassing her. When she refused him, he stabbed her forty-two times. She was found with a rosary held tightly in one hand.
What We Can Learn from Veronica: The stories of the saints can inspire us–and give us courage in challenging situations. Consider revisiting the story of the person whose name you took at confirmation. How can she or he inspire you today?
Veronica’s Wisdom: “I belong to Jesus and Jesus is mine.”
To Learn More About Veronica: Read a document about her process toward canonization, or check out the wealth of information available about Veronica at the Diocese of Iasi, Romania, website.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
