Let us offer a prayer to Saint Gemma Galgani
The trials Saint Gemma Galgani faced in her life have relevance for us today. Pray to Saint Gemma if you are a student faced with your studies or the hurdles in life after graduation. Pray to Saint Gemma if your life is associated with work in the pharmaceutical industry or you have to make frequent trips to the pharmacy for medication. Pray to Saint Gemma if you have suffered the loss of both your parents. Pray to Saint Gemma if you suffer from migraines or chronic back or body pains. Pray to Saint Gemma if you find yourself aware and sensitive to the sorrows and compassion of others. In this way you are able to enter into a greater understanding of the sufferings of Jesus on the Cross. It might provide you with the wisdom you seek to gain a greater sense of personal peace in your life.
Gemma Galgani was born on March 12, 1878 and spent her early years in the town of Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. Gemma’s mother, Aurelia Galgani, contracted tuberculosis and died in 1885. Her father, Enrico, was a pharmacist. Despite other family sorrows, Gemma was fortunate to receive a basic education. She was said to be gifted in French, math and music. At 16 she recovered from spinal meningitis. She attributed this healing as a gift of her steadfast prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin – who was later canonized as a Passionist saint, and St. Marguerite Marie Alacoque. At 18, soon after her father had died, she had to turn her attention to care for her younger siblings. In 1899, she was said to have experienced the stigmata of Jesus. Unfortunately, in early 1903 she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and her health quickly deteriorated, She died on April 11, 1903. However, Gemma was known locally for her holy piety, and people began to pray to her. Gemma Galgani was beatified on May 14, 1933 and canonized on May 2, 1940. Saint Gemma Galgani’s relics are housed at the Sanctuary of Santa Gemma, which is associated with the Passionist monastery in Lucca, Italy. Since 1985, pilgrims have made their way to the Passionist foundation of Santuario de Santa Gema, in Madrid, Spain. Her heart is enshrined there.
With confidence of faith, let us offer a prayer to Saint Gemma Galgani.
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