Saint Juliana of Liège

Juliana of Liège: A Medieval Mystic and Progenitor of Corpus Christi

Born around 1192 or 1193, and passing away on April 5, 1258, Juliana of Liège, also known as Juliana of Mount-Cornillon, was a remarkable figure in the religious landscape of medieval Europe. A Norbertine canoness regular and mystic, she lived in what is now modern-day Belgium, a region that was a vibrant hub of spiritual and intellectual life during the 13th century. Her life and profound spiritual experiences would leave an indelible mark on Catholic tradition, particularly through her unwavering advocacy for a special liturgical celebration dedicated to the Eucharist.

The Visionary and the Feast of Corpus Christi

Juliana's most significant contribution, and indeed the legacy for which she is widely recognized, is her instrumental role in promoting the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi. From a young age, Juliana experienced vivid mystical visions. Around 1209, when she was in her teens, she began to receive a recurring vision of the moon in its full splendor, yet marred by a dark stripe. This vision, which she pondered for years, was eventually interpreted through divine revelation to signify the Church (the moon) and the absence of a dedicated feast celebrating the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar (the dark stripe). She understood this to mean that a specific feast was needed to honour the Body of Christ, distinct from the daily Mass, which would serve to strengthen the faith of the faithful and atone for any irreverence shown to the Blessed Sacrament.

Driven by these powerful visions and an intense devotion to the Eucharist, Juliana tirelessly campaigned for such a feast. Her efforts were initially met with skepticism, but she gradually gained the support of influential ecclesiastical figures. Among her most significant allies was Robert of Thourotte, the then Bishop of Liège. With his support, the Feast of Corpus Christi was first officially celebrated in the Diocese of Liège in 1246, a truly momentous occasion that marked the culmination of Juliana's persistent advocacy. This local celebration was a pivotal step, but Juliana envisioned a universal adoption of the feast throughout the Catholic Church.

Her vision became a reality posthumously. In 1264, Pope Urban IV, who had known Juliana and was aware of the feast's celebration in Liège during his time as Archdeacon of Liège, issued the papal bull Transiturus de hoc mundo. This landmark decree officially established the Feast of Corpus Christi for the entire Latin Church, to be observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. While the universal observance faced some initial delays after Urban IV's death, it was later firmly established and promoted by subsequent popes, cementing Juliana's enduring legacy as the spiritual mother of this beloved feast.

Modern Scholarship and Juliana's Liturgical Authorship

While traditional scholarly sources have long acknowledged Juliana's pivotal role in the promotion of Corpus Christi, more recent academic endeavors have delved deeper into her intellectual and creative contributions. Contemporary scholarship now includes rigorous manuscript analysis of the initial version of the Office for the Feast of Corpus Christi, a key liturgical text. One significant manuscript, identified as KB 70.E.4, resides in the National Library of the Netherlands in The Hague, providing invaluable insights into the early development of the feast's liturgy.

Furthermore, a close reading of her Latin vita, her biography, has shed new light on her life and work. A critical edition of this vital document, meticulously prepared and published in French by the distinguished Belgian scholar Jean-Pierre Delville, offers researchers a more nuanced and accurate understanding of her experiences and influences. These scholarly advancements also highlight numerous references to Juliana's own musical and liturgical performances, underscoring her active and creative engagement with the spiritual practices of her time.

Crucially, modern women scholars have been instrumental in recognizing Juliana's profound intellectual and artistic agency. They have identified her as the "author" of the initial version of the Latin Office, specifically known as Animarum cibus. This title, meaning "Food of Souls," is derived directly from the opening words of its first antiphon, a testament to her theological depth and poetic skill. This recognition solidifies Juliana's position not merely as a promoter but as a significant intellectual and liturgical innovator, whose contributions extended far beyond her initial advocacy for the feast itself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Juliana of Liège

Who was Juliana of Liège?

Juliana of Liège, also known as Juliana of Mount-Cornillon, was a Norbertine canoness regular and mystic who lived in what is now Belgium during the 13th century (c. 1192/1193 – 1258). She is revered for her profound spiritual experiences and her tireless efforts to establish a specific feast day honoring the Eucharist.

What is Juliana of Liège most known for?

Juliana is most renowned as the primary advocate and spiritual inspiration behind the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi, a significant celebration in the Catholic Church dedicated to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

What is the Feast of Corpus Christi?

The Feast of Corpus Christi, whose name means "Body of Christ" in Latin, is a solemnity in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. It celebrates the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, typically observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday (or on the following Sunday in some regions).

When and where was Corpus Christi first celebrated?

Thanks to Juliana's advocacy and the support of Bishop Robert of Thourotte, the Feast of Corpus Christi was first celebrated locally in the Diocese of Liège, in what is now Belgium, in 1246.

How did the Feast of Corpus Christi become adopted by the whole Catholic Church?

Following the local celebration in Liège, Pope Urban IV, who had prior connections to Juliana and the diocese, issued the papal bull Transiturus de hoc mundo in 1264. This decree officially mandated the observance of the Feast of Corpus Christi throughout the entire Latin Church.

What role did Juliana play in the liturgy of the feast?

Beyond her role in promoting the feast, modern scholarship, particularly by women scholars, recognizes Juliana as the "author" of the initial version of the Latin Office for Corpus Christi. This liturgical text is known as Animarum cibus, meaning "Food of Souls," taking its title from the opening words of its first antiphon.

What are the main primary sources about Juliana of Liège?

Key primary sources include the Latin vita (biography) of Juliana, which has been published in a critical edition by Jean-Pierre Delville, and manuscript analyses of the initial version of the Office for Corpus Christi, such as the one found in The Hague, National Library of the Netherlands (KB 70.E.4).