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Feast Day: August 21
Saint Giulia Salzano, also known as Donna Giulietta or Julia Salzano, is regarded as the Prophetess of the New Evangelization. She was born on 13 October 1846 in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Caserta, Italy, as the daughter of Adelaide Valentino and Diego Salzano. Her father, a captain in the Lancers of King Ferdinand II of Naples, sadly passed away when she was just four years old. After her father's death, Giulia was raised and educated by the Sisters of Charity in the Royal Orphanage of Saint Nicola La Strada until the age of fifteen. Her experience in the orphanage and her education under the guidance of the sisters deeply influenced her spiritual journey and vocation. Following her education, Giulia became a school teacher and catechist in Casoria, Naples. It was during this time that she formed a close friendship and began working alongside Blessed Caterina Volpicelli, who would also go on to become a saint. This partnership proved to be instrumental in shaping Giulia's mission and work in evangelization. Giulia Salzano was particularly known for her personal devotion to the Virgin Mary. She had a deep love and reverence for Our Lady, which she strove to share with others. Giulia actively encouraged devotion to Our Lady and promoted the Sacred Heart of Jesus as well. Her spiritual life was marked by her desire to draw others closer to Christ through devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart. Taking her commitment to evangelization further, Giulia established the Congregation of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1905. This religious congregation was dedicated to teaching catechism and educating children in the faith. Through this community, Giulia and her fellow sisters sought to spread the Gospel and transform society through their educational and evangelistic efforts. Giulia's leadership and guidance greatly benefitted the congregation, which flourished under her direction. Saint Giulia Salzano's life and holiness were widely recognized, leading to her veneration by the Catholic Church. On 23 April 2002, Pope John Paul II declared the decree of heroic virtues, acknowledging Giulia's exemplary virtuous life. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 27 April 2003, further affirming her sanctity and her significance as a model of holiness. Finally, on 17 October 2010, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Saint Giulia Salzano, recognizing her as a saint of the Church. Her canonization serves as an inspiration for all those engaged in catechetical and educational ministries, as well as a powerful reminder of the importance of devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Although Saint Giulia Salzano does not have a specific patronage associated with her, her life and teachings can serve as a source of inspiration for all Catholics seeking to deepen their faith and evangelize the world around them. Her dedication to the education and catechesis of children, combined with her devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart, continue to impact the Church and beyond.