Saint Gemma Galgani
Also known as
- Flower of Lucca
- Gemma Galani
- Maria Gemma Umberta Pia Galgani
- Virgin of Lucca
Profile
Eldest daughter of a poor pharmacist; her mother died when Gemma was seven, her father when the girl was eighteen, and she took over the care of her seven brothers and sisters. Her health was always poor, and between that and her home life she never finished school. Cured in her 20’s of spinal meningitis by prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, and Saint Marguerite Marie Alacoque. Rejected by the religious orders to which she applied as they were concerned about her health, would not believe her cure, and were suspicious of the claims of a miracle. She became a Passionist tertiary. Stigmatist, receiving the wounds on her hands and feet each Thursday evening through Friday afternoon starting in June 1899 and continuing into 1901. Visionary; she saw her guardian angel daily, and had visits from Jesus, Mary, Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the devil who tempted her to spit on the cross and break a rosary. Venerable Germanus Ruoppolo was her spiritual director and wrote her biography.
Born
Died
- Holy Saturday, 11 April 1903 at Borgo Nuovo di Camigliano, Lucca, Italy of tuberculosis
- relics interred in the Passionist monastery, Lucca
- 2 May 1940 by Pope Pius XII
- her canonization faced stiff opposition by those who either disbelieved or wished to avoid attention to her visions and stigmata
- recognition celebrated at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy
- against temptations
- against the death of parents
- against tuberculosis
- apothecaries
- druggists
- paratroopers
- pharmacists
- students
- guardian angel
- heavenly gaze
- lillies and roses
- Passionist robe
- stigmata
Readings
If I saw the gates of Hell open and I stood on the brink of the abyss, I should not despair, I should not lose hope of mercy, because I should trust in You, my God. – Saint Gemma Galgani
O my soul, bless Jesus. Never forget the many graces He has given thee. Love that God who so loves thee. Lift thyself up to Him, who has lowered Himself for thee; show thyself as He shows Himself with thee; be clean of heart, be pure. Love thy Jesus, who has lifted thee out of so much misery. Love thy God, bless thy Lord – Saint Gemma Galgani
She died with a smile which remained upon her lips, so that I could not convince myself that she was really dead. – priest who gave the Last Rites to Saint Gemma Galgani
Gemma Galgani from Lucca, most pure virgin, being in her twenty-fifth year, died of consumption, but was more consumed by the fire of divine love than by her wasting disease. On the eleventh of April, 1903, the vigil of Easter, her soul took its flight to the bosom of her heavenly Spouse. O beautiful soul, in the company of the Angels!” – inscription on the marble tablet that covers Saint Gemma Galgani’s remains in the chapel of the Passionist Sisters in Lucca
MLA Citation
- “Saint Gemma Galgani“. CatholicSaints.Info. 10 April 2024. Web. 2 May 2024. <>