Blessed Giulia Valle

Biography

Blessed Giulia Valle, also known as Sister Nemesia, was born on 26 June 1847 in Aosta, Italy. She was the daughter of Anselmo Valle and Cristina Dalbar, who owned a milliner's shop. Sadly, tragedy struck at a young age when her mother passed away when Giulia was only four years old. As a result, she was raised by relatives in Aosta and Donnas in Italy.

Giulia received her education at Besançon, France, under the guidance of the Sisters of Charity. However, circumstances led her to return to her family in Pont Saint Martin, where her father had remarried. Sadly, relations within her family became strained, and Giulia even became estranged from her brother, Vincent.

It was during this troubled time that the Sisters of Charity established a house in Pont Saint Martin. Giulia felt a deep calling to their way of life, and despite her father's arrangements for a well-placed marriage, she ultimately chose to dedicate herself to religious life.

On 8 September 1866, Giulia began her novitiate at the monastery of Santa Margherita, taking on the name Sister Nemesia. She was then assigned to Saint Vincent's Institute in Tortona, Italy. In her role as an educator, she taught general subjects in elementary school and French in high school. Additionally, she dedicated herself to serving at the local orphanage, providing care and guidance to many young soldiers stationed in Tortona during that time.

As she continued to deepen her commitment to her religious vocation, Sister Nemesia's leadership qualities became evident. At the age of 40, she was appointed as the Superior of her house. Later, she served as the Novice Mistress at Borgaro Torinese for 13 years, overseeing the formation of 500 new sisters entering religious life under her guidance.

Blessed Giulia Valle passed away on 18 December 1916 at Borgaro Torinese, Turin, Italy, due to natural causes. Her ongoing dedication to her faith and her exemplary life of virtue led to her being venerated by Pope John Paul II on 5 July 2002, who decreed her heroic virtues. Later, on 25 April 2004, Pope John Paul II beatified her, recognizing her as Blessed Giulia Valle.

The life of Blessed Giulia Valle, also known as Sister Nemesia, serves as an inspiration for her unwavering commitment to her religious calling, her compassionate care for others, and her devoted service to the community she belonged to.