Veronica
Compassionate woman who wiped Jesus' face on the way to Calvary, leaving an image of his suffering.
Patronage
Housewives, laundry workers, those with skin diseases, photographers, Catholic Action
Virtues & Traits
Biography
Veronica is a figure known primarily from Christian tradition and the Stations of the Cross, where she is commemorated as the woman who wiped the face of Jesus on his way to Calvary. While not mentioned by name in the canonical Gospels, medieval tradition identifies her with the woman healed of a hemorrhage in Luke's Gospel or other biblical accounts. According to legend, moved by Jesus' suffering, she offered her veil to wipe his bloodied and sweating face. The cloth miraculously retained his image—an imprint that has become known as the Holy Face of Jesus and the Shroud of Veronica. Early Christian writers identified her as a woman of Jerusalem, and some traditions claim she became a follower of the apostles. The story emphasizes the virtue of mercy and courage to assist others in their greatest need, making Veronica a symbol of those who serve the suffering with compassion and dignity.
Prayer
Prayer to Saint Veronica
O Saint Veronica, blessed woman of compassion, who with tender mercy wiped the face of our Lord Jesus Christ on His way to Calvary, we beseech you to intercede for us before the throne of God. Grant us the grace to see Christ in the suffering and afflicted, and to serve Him with the same loving devotion you showed. Help us to bear our crosses with patience and to comfort others in their sorrows, that we may follow in your holy footsteps. Amen.
Generated by Find My Saint for personal reflection. Not an official Church prayer.