St. Julia was born to noble, aristocratic parents in Carthage. During an attack of Carthage by Gaiseric, King of the Vandals, Julia was taken away from her family and sold into slavery. She was purchased by a pagan merchant of Syria, named Eusebius.

Though he was a pagan, her master admired the courage with which she went about her work. After finishing her tasks, she was allowed to rest. She devoted this time for reading, or gathered herself in prayer. Moved by the love of God, she fasted frequently.

Eusebius, charmed by Julia's commitment and devotion, took her along during his journey to Gual, France. When the ship was in the port of Cap Corse, where Eusebius had attended a pagan feast, he was put to sleep by the pagans, who took advantage of the occasion to kidnap Julia, who was also in the ship.

Governor of the island, Felix, tried to convince her to sacrifice to his gods. He told her that he would grant her freedom if she would obey. However, Julia refused to deny Christ.

“My freedom is to serve Christ,” she said, “whom I love every day in all the purity of my soul.”

Enraged by her response, Felix had Julia tortured and then scourged. However, even in the midst of these torments, the Saint continued to confess her faith with greater ardour. Her hair was torn from the head and finally, Felix had her hanged on a cross until she died.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Rafqa
2. Saint Walter of Pontoise
3. Saint Ottone Frangipane
4. Saint Joseph Oriol
5. Saint Turibius of Mogroveio

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