Veiled in Strength
St. Veronica:
Faith in Brokenness, Healing in Christ
Veiled in Strength
St. Veronica:
Faith in Brokenness, Healing in Christ
St. Veronica — also known as Berenice — is remembered in the Orthodox Church as the woman with the issue of blood, whom Christ healed through her act of faith. Her feast is celebrated on July 12.
For twelve years, she suffered greatly. Doctors had no answers, treatments only made things worse, and she had spent everything she had searching for relief. Still, she did not lose hope. When she heard of Christ, faith stirred in her heart, and she believed that even touching the hem of His garment would be enough to bring healing. With trembling courage, she pressed through the crowd, stretched out her hand, and immediately her body was restored.
Christ, knowing that power had gone forth from Him, turned and asked, “Who touched Me?” The disciples were puzzled, because the crowds were pressing all around Him. Yet Veronica stepped forward, fell at His feet in fear, and confessed what she had done. With tenderness, the Lord said to her: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34).
In gratitude, she placed a statue of Christ outside her home, and God blessed it — a healing plant grew at its base, bringing relief to many who suffered. From that moment on, Veronica lived as a faithful member of the early Church, committing her life to holiness and surrendering her soul in peace to God.
Her story is not just about one miraculous healing, but about what it means to walk with faith through weakness and to let brokenness become a testimony of God’s mercy. She reminds us that true healing begins in Christ. Eating healthy food, caring for our bodies, and choosing good habits matter, but they can never replace the Physician of our souls. St. Veronica shows us that faith does not require perfection — it requires trust. She did not come polished or strong; she came weary, desperate, and broken. And Christ met her there.
For every woman who knows the exhaustion of trying everything and still feeling weary, her life offers hope. Wholeness is not found in striving alone but in surrender. Care for your body as best you can. Nourish yourself, move, rest. But above all, bring your body and soul to Christ, asking Him to guide every step of your healing. Even the smallest act of faith — a prayer whispered in weakness, a trembling step forward — can open the door to His grace.
The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Mother, / for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. / By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away, / but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. / Therefore your spirit, O Holy Mother Veronica, rejoices with the Angels!