St. Gemma Galgani
1878–1903
Feast: April 11
Gemma lost both her parents by age 19, and poor health prevented her from joining the Passionist Sisters in her native Tuscany. Following an apparition, she appeared to be cured of tuberculosis of the spine, but the disease killed her. For a time Gemma’s body had borne the stigmata and wounds like scourging, though some observers thought her hysterical or possessed by the devil. However, 230 extant letters to her spiritual director and confessor reveal a pious, humble soul, willing to suffer for Christ.
Northwest Catholic - April 2021