The Basics: Born in the 3rd century in Egypt; died about 300 in Switzerland; canonized precongregation; feast day, September 14. Social worker, nurse, hermit.
The Story: Some saints never left their hometowns. Others traveled far and wide doing missionary work. Verena’s story is somewhere in between. She was born into a noble Christian family in Egypt, but was sent to support a relative in the Theban Legion, which was then in 
Switzerland. The Legion took its place in history in 286 when the members, having converted as a group to Christianity, refused to sacrifice to the emperor and were all killed.
Verena did not return home after this tragedy, but became a hermit not far from Zurich. She did not isolate herself entirely from the world; she is credited with bringing some hygiene practices and herbal medicine to the area, and also nursed the sick, including those with leprosy. While Verena’s name may be unfamiliar to many in North America, she’s so revered in Switzerland and Germany that 100 churches bear her name.
What We Can Learn from Verena: We know we’re called to bloom where we are planted; but it’s also important to do so where God transplants us. Find Him and His will for you if your work, family, or other situation causes you to move to an unfamiliar place.
To Learn More About Verena: Visit the site for the St. Verena Hermitage Society.
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.
