Blessed Giulia Crostarosa

Biography

Blessed Giulia Crostarosa, also known as Julia Crostarosa and Sister Maria Celeste of the Holy Redeemer, was born on 31 October 1696 in Naples, Italy, as Giulia Marcella Santa Crostarosa. She was the tenth of twelve children in her family. At the age of 20, Giulia and her sister entered the Carmelite monastery of Marigliano, Italy, where they began their religious journey.

Unfortunately, the Carmelite monastery was suppressed just five years later. Undeterred by this setback, Giulia moved to a monastery at Scala, Italy, where she took the name Sister Maria Celeste. It was during her time as a novice in Scala that she experienced a series of remarkable visions. On 25 April 1725, she saw a new congregation of nuns in her visions and was even given the Rule for this envisioned congregation.

These visions profoundly influenced Giulia's path, and she became a co-founder of the Order of Redemptoristine Nuns on 13 May 1731. This new order was established based on the Rule given to Sister Maria Celeste during her mystical experiences. The Redemptoristine Nuns devoted themselves to a life of prayer, contemplation, and the imitation of Christ's redeeming love.

Blessed Giulia Crostarosa lived a life of devotion and service to God within the Redemptoristine Order. She exemplified the virtues of humility, obedience, and faithfulness. Despite her visionary experiences, she remained deeply committed to her religious duties and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Blessed Giulia Crostarosa's earthly journey came to an end on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 14 September 1755, in Foggia, Italy. She passed away from natural causes and was interred in the monastery located in Foggia, where she had spent the latter part of her life.

Recognizing her exemplary virtues and the profound impact she had on religious life, Pope Francis declared her venerable on 3 June 2013, acknowledging her heroic virtue. Further affirming her sanctity, Pope Francis beatified Blessed Giulia Crostarosa on 18 June 2016. The beatification ceremony took place at the Square of the Basilica-Sanctuary of Beata Vergine Maria "Madre di Dio Incoronata" in Foggia, Italy, and was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.

Blessed Giulia Crostarosa is remembered and celebrated on 14 September, her feast day, within the Catholic Church. Her life serves as an inspiration to all who seek a deeper connection with God and a life of profound devotion to the redeeming love of Christ.