A new short documentary focuses on the life of Servant of God Julia Greeley. The documentary explores Greeley's life of service and faith. It aims to share her story with a wider audience. The film highlights her dedication to helping others.
13 days ago
A new 13-minute short documentary, "Julia Greeley: Servant of the Sacred Heart," highlights the life and legacy of Servant of God Julia Greeley, also known as Denver’s Angel of Charity 2. The film features interviews with key figures such as Father Blaine Burkey, who authored a book on Greeley, Mary Leisring, president of the Julia Greeley Guild, Father Eric Zegeer, pastor of Greeley's parish, and Jean Torkelson, executive director of the Julia Greeley Home 2. The documentary is available for free viewing on YouTube 2.
Julia Greeley was born into slavery near Hannibal, Missouri, and endured significant hardship from a young age 2. As a child, she lost her right eye when a whip, intended for her mother, struck her during a beating by their master 2. After gaining her freedom in 1865, Greeley moved to Denver, where she dedicated her life to serving impoverished families 2.
In 1880, Julia Greeley converted to Catholicism at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver, becoming a devout member who attended daily Mass 2. She developed a profound devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin Mary 2. In 1901, she joined the Secular Franciscan Order 2. Despite suffering from arthritis, Greeley was known for walking countless miles to collect and distribute alms to those in need, consistently prioritizing the poor over her own welfare 2. Father Blaine Burkey described her as a "very zealous person" who focused on mercy rather than vengeance, despite the challenges she faced 2.
Julia Greeley passed away on June 7, 1918 2. Her cause for canonization was officially opened by the Archdiocese of Denver in 2016, recognizing her extraordinary life of faith and charity 2. The documentary aims to encourage the faithful with Greeley's message of mercy and selflessness 2.
How does the Church define Christian charity and sanctity?
The Church defines Christian charity as a theological virtue by which individuals love God above all else for His own sake, and their neighbor as themselves for the love of God , , , . This love is a gift from God, enabling believers to love in a way that surpasses natural inclinations, extending even to enemies and those who cause offense . Charity is considered the greatest of the virtues, the "bond of perfection," and the foundation that gives life, inspiration, and order to all other virtues , . Without charity, other virtues are meaningless . It is infused into the soul by God, often together with sanctifying grace, and resides in the human will, inclining it to cherish God and man for God's sake , . Charity is the essence of the new commandment given by Jesus and is the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every person and all humanity , . It impels the Church to reach out to every human being without distinction, as it is an indispensable expression of the Church's very being .
Sanctity, or holiness, is defined as a close union with God and the moral perfection that results from this union . It is a divine gift, not something that can be procured by human qualities or abilities , . Sanctity is a sharing in God's holiness, where human existence is progressively transformed to conform to the pattern of Christ through grace received in faith . It involves a mind that applies itself and all its acts to God, making all actions subservient to Him .
Key characteristics of Christian sanctity include:
The Church, as a society, claims to be holy in a transcendent degree, possessing the means to produce holiness in its members, whose lives should reflect this purpose . This attribute belongs to the Church because of its relationship to Christ, being the fruit of His Passion and His mystical body, animated by the Holy Spirit .