Saint of the Day for June 25: Blessed Jutta of Thuringia

By Cristiano Antonino Last updated Jun 23, 2023

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia’s Story: today’s patroness of Prussia began her life amidst luxury and power but died the death of a simple servant of the poor

In truth, virtue and piety were always of prime importance to Jutta and her husband, both of noble rank

The two were set to make a pilgrimage together to the holy places in Jerusalem, but her husband died on the way.

The newly widowed Jutta, after taking care to provide for her children, resolved to live in a manner she felt was utterly pleasing to God.

She disposed of the costly clothes, jewels, and furniture befitting one of her rank, and became a Secular Franciscan, taking on the simple garment of a religious.

From that point her life was utterly devoted to others: caring for the sick, particularly lepers; tending to the poor, whom she visited in their hovels; helping the crippled and blind with whom she shared her own home.

Many of the townspeople of Thuringia laughed at how the once-distinguished lady now spent all her time.

But Jutta saw the face of God in the poor and felt honored to render whatever services she could.