St. Verena was from a noble Coptic Orthodox family from the region of Thebes (Luxor in Upper Egypt). They sent her to Bishop Sherimon of Beni Suef, who instructed her in the Orthodox faith and later baptized her. St. Verena was a close relative of St. Maurice, the leader of the Theban legion (a troop in the army). She joined St. Maurice and his legion on a mission to Switzerland as the soldier’s relatives were allowed to accompany them to look after their needs and attend to the wounded. After St. Maurice and his legion were martyred, she stayed in Switzerland and led an isolated and hermitic life of fasting and prayer. God performed many miracles through her.

St. Verena served as a spiritual guide for young girls. Since she was a nurse, she also looked after their physical well-being. As a result of her fame, the ruler arrested her and sent her to jail, where St. Maurice appeared to her to console and strengthen her. After she was released from prison, she traveled to several regions and God continued to perform miracles through her. She also led many people to the Christian faith.

St. Verena was also fond of serving the poor, often feeding them. She tended to the sick, especially those suffering from leprosy. She lovingly treated their wounds, without any fear of their contagious disease. At the time of her departure, the Holy Virgin St. Mary the Theotokos appeared to her to strengthen her. She departed this life and went to live with the Lord on the 4th day of the Coptic month of Toot.

In 1986, a delegation from St. Verena Church in Zurich, Switzerland, brought her holy relics to Egypt. May her prayers be with us and may her love and service to others be planted within us. Glory be to God forever Amen.