Giulia della Rena facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed Giulia della Rena
Born	1319 Certaldo, Republic of Florence
Died	9 January 1367 Certaldo, Republic of Florence
Resting place	Santi Jacopo e Filippo, Certaldo
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	18 May 1819, Saint Peter's Basilica by Pope Pius VII
Major shrine	Santi Jacopo e Filippo, Certaldo
Feast	9 January, 15 February (Augustinians)

Giulia della Rena (born 1319 – died January 9, 1367) was a kind Italian woman who lived a very religious life. She was part of a special group called the Order of Saint Augustine. Giulia became an orphan when she was young and went to work as a maid in Florence. Later, she returned to her hometown of Certaldo. She became famous for bravely saving a child from a burning house.

Giulia's Early Life

Giulia della Rena was born in 1319 in Certaldo, Italy. Her family were nobles, but they had lost most of their wealth. Sadly, Giulia lost both of her parents when she was still a child. This meant she had to find work to support herself.

Life as a Maid

Giulia left her hometown to find a job. She became a maid for the Timolfi family in Florence. In 1337, she joined a religious group. This group was connected to the Order of Saint Augustine.

Returning Home

Life in Florence became difficult. There were problems with the economy and politics. So, Giulia decided to return to Certaldo. It was there that she did something very brave. She rescued a child from a burning building. This act made her well-known, which she did not really want.

Living as an Anchoress

After this event, Giulia chose to live a very quiet life. She became an anchoress. This means she lived alone in a small room. This room was built next to the church of Santi Jacopo e Filippo. Her cell was very simple. It had only a small window and a Crucifix. She spent the rest of her life there, praying and living peacefully.

Giulia della Rena passed away in early 1367. Her body was buried in the church of Santi Jacopo e Filippo. In 1372, her remains were moved to the church's altar.

Becoming a Blessed Saint

Tomb in Ss. Jacopo e Filippo in Certaldo.

Many years after Giulia's death, people remembered her good deeds. In 1819, Pope Pius VII officially recognized her as "Blessed." This is a step towards becoming a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. It means the Church believes she lived a holy life.