Blessed Joan Soderini of Florence
OF THE THIRD ORDER OF THE SERVITES (1367).
Virgin of the Third Order of the Servites
A Florentine noblewoman who entered the Mantelatte at the age of twelve under the guidance of Saint Juliana Falconieri, Joan Soderini distinguished herself by her humility and austerities. Gifted with the gift of prophecy, she was the first to testify to the post-mortem miracle of her superior. She died in 1367 after a life of contemplation and service.
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BLESSED JOAN SODERINI OF FLORENCE, VIRGIN,
OF THE THIRD ORDER OF THE SERVITES (1367).
Origins and early vocation
Born in Florence in 1301 into the nobility, Joan dedicated herself very early to piety and entered the Mantelatte at the age of twelve under the direction of Saint Juliana Falconieri.
Joan Soderini w Jeanne Soderini Religious of the Third Order of the Servites in Florence in the 14th century. as born in Florenc Florence City where Julie served as a maid. e in 1301 to noble parents who were faithful to the Lord. From her early years, she showed heroic dispositions for piety. She loved the Blessed Virgin very much, to whom she showed a very special devotion throughout her life. Her governess, Felicia Tonia, having died before she could do without her care, she was entrusted, to the great regret of her parents, to Saint Juliana Falc onieri, who was then super sainte Julienne Falconieri Superior of the Mantellate and spiritual mentor to Juliana. ior of a community of Virgins of the Third Order of the Serv ites, known in Italy as Tiers Ordre des Servites Religious order to which Joan Soderini belonged. the Mantelatte. Joan had already ch osen Jesus Mantelattes Religious order to which Joan Soderini belonged. Christ as her Spouse, and it was with joy that she entered the convent of Saint Juliana and took the religious habit. She was only twelve years old.
Religious commitment and asceticism
Jeanne pronounced her vows of perpetual chastity and distinguished herself through a life of severe mortifications, prayer, and humility within her community.
Jeanne did not delay in making such rapid progress in the ways of perfection that Saint Juliana offered her as a model to all her nuns. Not content with having left everything for God, with having abandoned all the temporal advantages to which she had a right, Jeanne Soderini wished to attach herself to God in an irrevocable manner, and, prostrated humbly before the altar of Our Lad y of the Annunciation, she m Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation Place of burial and devotion of the Blessed. ade a vow of perpetual chastity. Convinced that this delicate and fragile virtue can only be kept intact on the condition of continually mortifying one's senses, she gave herself from then on assiduously to fasts and vigils, and practiced harsh and frequent austerities. She employed the time she could dispose of in prayer and contemplation. Following the example of the Saints, she had an ardent love for humility. One saw her eagerly seeking the lowest offices of the house and fulfilling them with joy. Through her sweet and cheerful character, she knew how to win the affection of her companions, whom she was called to govern for some time to general satisfaction.
Spiritual trials and mystical gifts
After triumphing over demonic temptations, she received the gift of prophecy and witnessed the miraculous final moments of Saint Juliana Falconieri.
The devil, jealous, launched terrible assaults against her. He attempted, but in vain, to make her lose the merits of her good works. Supported by the help of heaven, the Blessed one knew how to resist all the assaults and emerge victorious from all the trials. Following these combats, God rewarded her for her fidelity by granting her the gift of prophecy. The final moments of Saint Juliana having arrived, Joan lavished her care upon her and received her last breath (1340). She was the first to see the image of the Savior imprinted on the chest of the Saint and was so touched by this marvel that she took it as an occasion to redouble her good will, zeal, and fervor in the service of God. She lived for another twenty-six years and was during this time the perfect model of all virtues. Finally, exhausted by her mortifications, her vigils, and her prayers, she rendered her soul to God on September 1, 1367. Her body was placed in the Church of the Annun ciation Florence City where Julie served as a maid. in Florence. Many miracles occurred at her tomb, and the people conceived a profound veneration for her. On October 1, 1827, Leo XII Léon XII Pope who proceeded with the beatification of Julian. approved the cult of the Blessed one.
Passing and recognition of the cult
Jeanne died in 1367; her tomb in Florence became a place of miracles, leading to the confirmation of her cult by Pope Leo XII in 1827.
Cf. Acta Sanctorum Acta Sanctorum Monumental hagiographic collection by the Bollandists. , and Godoscard.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Entered the Mantelatte convent at the age of twelve
- Vow of perpetual chastity before the altar of Our Lady of the Annunciation
- Governance of her community
- Cared for Saint Juliana Falconieri on her deathbed in 1340
- Vision of the image of the Savior on the chest of Saint Juliana
- Received the gift of prophecy
- Approval of cult by Leo XII in 1827
Miracles
- Gift of prophecy
- Numerous miracles at her tomb