The Example of St. Veronica Giuliani

On the memorial of St. Veronica Giuliani, Fr. Miguel explores the profound and often challenging theme of the Cross in the Christian life. Drawing from the readings of St. Paul and the Gospel of Matthew, he explains that suffering is not merely something to be avoided, but a powerful "weapon" and a tool for holiness when offered to God. Fr. Miguel shares the life of St. Veronica—a Franciscan saint gifted with the stigmata—to demonstrate how she used regular mortification to train her will, learning to say "no" to self and "yes" to God. By reflecting on her diary entries and her desire to suffer for Christ, this homily invites us to move beyond our natural instinct to flee from pain and instead embrace the trials God permits in our lives as opportunities for spiritual growth. Whether through small daily sacrifices or carrying larger crosses, we are encouraged to persevere with grace, trusting that our present burdens are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory.