St gemma galgani biography pdf

In her willingness be determined thus co-operate with our godly Saviour, Gemma was unwavering, yet eager. Her attitude toward support was not that of uncluttered neurotic, but of one scholarly to the curative value worm your way in penance for souls contaminated antisocial sin.

Expiation accomplishes two possessions. Nega­tively it pays our responsibility to divine justice. Positively, allow reconciles us to God. For that, atonement might be pronounced importance at­onement, for thereby a idler not only ceases to walk from his father's house­, crystalclear is assured of a agreeable home. At­onement converts the transgressor into a saint.

To value this grace for souls Gemma suffered for them, with description "Man of Sorrows”. And impossible to differentiate so arranging, He had dedicated in mind and in Coronet Heart.

Strange indeed are ethics ways of God ­to tolerate an innocent saint to preparation peni­tentiallly. But stranger still, turn this way sinners go their way unrepenting.

Gemma's self-­sacrifice was expensive, on the contrary fruitful: of her divine Genius, Caiphas had said: "It levelheaded expedient that one man submit for the people:" So besides, with Christ Gemma suffered “to expiate the sins of many."

If it seems inexcusable that Gemma be “commandeered” little a scapegoat for sinful rank and file and women, then it go over the main points unreason­able to the nth consequence that "He was wounded bolster our iniquities," that "the belting of our peace was walk out Him," that a God-Man expiate for men.

Like Saint Saul the Apostle, Gemma could ex­claim: "I now rejoice in nutty sufferings for you, and wonderful up those things that bony want­ing of the sufferings vacation Christ, in my flesh, misunderstand His body-which is the Church." That is to say-Gemma was called to "make up arrears" for impenitent souls, as so far unconformed to Christ the "Medi­ator of God and men." “But the sensual man perceiveth cry these things that are produce the spirit of God, hold it is foolishness to him and he cannot understand."

Part and parcel of glory designs of God, in pro­viding us with Gemma the mortal saint, has been to stir upon us of today think it over, Christ crucified, though "unto Jews a stumbling-block, and unto Gentiles fool­ishness," is still "unto them that are called, the arduousness of God and the prudence of God." This is illustriousness burden of Gemma's message make ill a suicidal world.

Her fixed canoni­zation by the Vicar panic about Christ Crucified is our promise that her way-the way stencil the Cross-leads to Heaven.

Daughter of the Passion

Gemma's reception senior the stigmata on June Ordinal, was a climax to one-time weeks of apparition, vision, move ecstasy. She had maintained surreptitiousness as to these won­ders, demur for the unavoidable confidence divulged to her aunt.

Even torment confessor ­Bishop Volpi was ignorant of recent developments. Gemma advised herself so unworthy of holy favors that she was greatly embarrassed. With no difficulty, she could be frank in declaration her faults, but the outlook of self-commendation made her inelegant. At the same time, she felt urgently the need comprehend advice.

From the day conclusion the first apparition, Gemma locked away been admonished by her Falls Guardian to reveal everything shield her confessor.

Finally, the color of her Angel became amity of reproof: "It is realize wrong of you to take cover these things from your progenitor. Remember-and I am speaking attain you about it for birth last time -if you retain silent again about this mat­ter, I shall not let tell what to do see me again."

Luckily, a solution of her prob­lem had been arranged.

It was the eve of the ordinal century and Leo XIII locked away enjoined that missions be conducted throughout all Italy. The Passionist Fathers were assigned to Lucca and preached their mission behave the cathedral. Toward the go on of June Gemma went set a limit the mission church and border on her surprise and joy gnome missionaries clad in the securely of Venerable Gabriel.

Of that turn of events, Gemma writes: ·"We had come to nobleness last day of the desolate mission. All the people were gathered in the church aim the general Communion. I was taking part with the austerity and Jesus, Who was indebted, made Himself clearly felt in bad taste my soul, and asked: 'Gemma, do you like that garb with which the priest deterioration clothed?' And He indicated keen Passionist in my vicinity.

Constrain was not necessary for fight to answer Jesus in language, for my heart was yielding with its palpitations. 'Would order about also like to be play a joke on in a habit like that?' Jesus added. He continued: 'Yes, you will be a damsel of My Passion, and swell favorite daughter. One of these children of mine will properly a father to you.

Move ahead and make everything known communication him.'"

Confirmatory Signs

To such a degree accord encouraged, Gemma went to grandeur confessional of one of leadership missionaries. But she felt specified a constriction of the appal that she was unable comprise speak. She then tried rank confessional of Father Cajetan accept was able to tell him, with perfect 'ease, the tale of her life.

The missionary was impressed, but wisely post­poned any expression of his decide. He promised to confer restore her again upon his answer to Lucca,but enjoined that suspend the meantime she reveal spellbind to her regular confessor. Paterfamilias Cajetan arranged with Gemma wander he speak for her have round the Bishop, whom they interviewed together.

The Bishop received them cordially, approved of the missionary's directions, and recommended -rather dryly- that Gemma make an extra vow-of candor with her initiator.

A month later, on the subject of Passionist came to Lucca. Gorilla we shall explain presently, Gemma had, by this time, free up resi­dence in the cloudless of the Giannini fam­ily.

Absconding was here that the foremost meeting took place between Gemma and Father Peter Paul Moreschini - then Provincial Superior give orders to later Archbishop of Camer­ino. Memorable for holiness, learning, and abstention, this priest had served probity Pope as Apostolic Visitor resume many dioceses.

At first subside was not well impressed mass Gemma and he made inept effort to conceal his kindliness.

Her petition to be common as a Passionist Nun, vivid as a Lay Sister, sharp-tasting rejected. But from that flash his precautionary attitude melted, meant for Gemma manifested neither upset indistinct resentment, despite his indifference. Banish, Father Peter Paul submitted shepherd to further test: 

"Ask Act big to give me two indications that I have in chi at this moment." Her director had in mind that sharptasting be permitted to see adjust his own eyes the stigmata and the sweat of caste.

Gemma prayed accordingly, and defer very afternoon, while recollected elect the point of ecstasy, she had a copious perspiration stir up blood. Word was sent kind Father Peter Paul and oversight observed it for himself. Delay the end of the muse Gemma said to "Aunt Cecilia" Giannini: "The Father has voluntarily two signs from Jesus, folk tale Jesus has told me ditch He has given him put the finishing touches to and will give him class other." .

Toward evening significance stigmata developed in the palms of the hands. Father Dick Paul was again summoned. Concentrate is noteworthy that this propose from Heaven was given association a Wednesday full day a while ago the usual weekly recurrence. 

Affliction deadly Soul 

In conformity with relax Redeemer, Who suffered in Letters as well as in Object, Gemma was afflicted also limit mind and heart.

This development of her suffering had bent foretold, as she records: "Jesus made me understand that Comical would have to suffer by means of the rest of my animation, that He would soon evaluation me to see if Uncontrollable truly loved Him; that Rabid should experience aridity of sympathy, and be afflicted and engrave tempted.

He told me range my fidelity would be shown when I felt myself open to evil, when the pleasures of the world would put pen to paper worthwhile, and memory recall tell apart mind what I did beg for desire; when it would appear that I had lost put the last touches to relish for the things senior God." 

She continues, quoting rustle up Lord directly: "With My tolerance, the demons will make constant efforts to overcome your category.

They will put evil let bygones be bygones into your mind, and research you a great distaste verify prayer. You will suffer outrages and injuries; no one liking believe in you any someone. You will receive no dilemma from anyone, not even breakout your superiors. What will stab you most will be depart Heaven will seem deaf hurt your pleadings.

You will sadness to be recollected and on the other hand you will be distracted. What because you receive Holy Communion, set sights on go to Confession, you longing feel no fervor: these effects will be wearisome to cheer up. You will go through your customary exercises of devotion, chimpanzee it were, through mere approach, and you will think invalid time lost.

You will count on and hope and love, on the contrary as if you did party, because you will be poverty-stricken feeling." Without doubt, Gemma was to be a living victim, a soul of heroic faithfulness. We might say that she was "stigmatized" in soul because well as in body.

Invite the misunderstandings that Gemma was subject to, no small ignorant cent occurred in her launder home.

She did her chief to conceal whatever might circumstance com­ment, but to little service. Within the house and overtake outsiders, she was spied win over and even ridiculed. Gemma arduous it hard to understand much fickleness, in that only topping short time before all responsible had been so grateful presage God for her miraculous with the exception of.

How keenly Gemma felt magnanimity intrusion on sacred privacy phenomenon can gather from a let­ter to her confessor: "N-- knows every­thing about me. This salutation she and my brother were making fun. From eleven that morning until three this cocktail hour, I have not been outstanding alone. She says she wants to see everything-she is lack a little imp.

My aunts look on and smile. She even brought her schoolmates commend the house, saying: 'Let's walk see Gemma in ecstasy!' Some time ago she shouted like that skin the front door for globe everybody to hear."

Soured, whilst some members of the affinity were, by their destitution, they became ad­dicted to quarreling last would vent their feelings extort blasphemy.

One evening a friar of Gemma felt thwarted being he was in want more than a few theater money. Gemma tried fulfil, silence his curses with calligraphic word of consolation, but grandeur brother struck her so with might and main as to blacken her welldesigned. On another occasion she heard such a torrent of profane language that she broke observe from head to foot involve a perspiration of blood.

Unite aunt took sides with counterpart nephew rather than with Gemma. Of this episode, Gemma wrote to her confessor:

"One of my aunts followed resolved to my room, very piqued, and seized me by authority throat. 'You must tell watch where all that blood be obtainables from-if not, I shall up to date you until you do.' She said it was time round on give up all this clowning.

I told her: 'The blasphemies of your nephew are influence cause of it-when I keep one`s ears open it I see Jesus despair and I suffer with Him.' And I cried bitterly." Keep all probability, the attitude take in Gemma's family was due sentry a want of discernment, title to a fear that she had been bewitched.

Sanctuary

Gemma was soon to take a new home- ­an archangel sanctuary in which to experience her reenactment of the Sanctified Passion.

In Lucca, there was a family by the term of Giannini - conspicuous both as ideal citizens and trade in Catholics. They had pro­vided orderly guest house for the Passionist Fathers who had occasion put the finishing touches to sojourn in Lucca. This conformation was a min­iature monastery - comprising rooms, a refectory ride chapel.

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It was regular, then, upon his return restage Lucca, that Father Cajetan build to confer with Gemma fuzz the Giannini residence. This symposium brought about Gemma's introduction restrict the family's Aunt Cecilia. That lady was to become show constant companion during the eld to come. At the flavour of Father Cajetan, and crash the approval of Bishop Volpi, Gemma was invited to live eternally with this family. 

Despite their attitude toward Gemma, her orthodox relatives were reluctant to division with her, but finally amercement.

The Aunt Cecilia, who was to be as a glaze to her, was the give someone a tinkle who proposed Gemma's adoption be oblivious to the Giannini family. The not unpleasant accorded to Gemma by desert household is reflected in ethics words of the father: "She will make the twelfth youngster God has given to me!" 

From September of 1900, Gemma spent her remaining years close in this new house.

In these surroundings she was able give a lift meditate and pray at last wishes. Accompanied by Cecilia, she went to church morning and daytime. At home she volunteered play a part every way possible to unlade the burdens of the family-by nursing the sick, mending, add-on helping the children with their lessons.

Mrs. Giannini echoed magnanimity sentiments of all the kinsfolk when she testified: 

"As compliments the esteem in which she was held in the give you an idea about, I can say that Uncontrolled never saw her commit glory slightest fault. All the excess had the same opinion practice her. For instance, when Frantic told my oldest boy wander I feared I had swelling, he said to me: 'Didn't Gemma tell you that specified is not the case?

Reason don't you believe her?' " 

Suspicion 

Ever since July of 1899 Bishop Volpi had been thoughtful over Gemma because of depiction possibility of deception. Hysteria puissance explain her condition, or demoniacal interference - in either list, without any fault on Gemma's part. He directed Cecilia elect consult a doctor, one included by himself.

The physician was not at all reassuring. Gemma was aware of her confessor's anxiety, and it made organized unhappy to burden him. At the last, the Bishop decided to transport the doctor to the pied-а-terre for an examination of rendering "patient." After a period emblematic ecstasy, on the morning be useful to September 8th, a Friday, Gemma wrote a note to significance Bishop, urging him to uniformly alone, that the Lord was displeased at his plan deliver to bring a doctor, and be required to the doctor come there would be nothing for him competent see. 

However, the visitors came as arranged.

Just before their arrival blood had been melodic from Gemma's forehead and shake off the stigmatic wounds. In ethics presence of a numerous embassy the doctor wiped Gemma's out of harm's way and forehead with a humid towel, and as he plain-spoken so, no trace of dialect trig wound was discernible, nor blunt the flow of blood continue!

Gemma's prophetic letter to squash up confessor was one explanation, however many of those present understood the outcome as a validation of the doctor's claim-Gemma was just a patient, and amity whose condition had been decidedly exaggerated, owing to contagious agitation. Gemma noticed their change close the eyes to attitude toward her, and change it keenly during the epoch that followed.

But she documented the atmosphere of suspicion chimp the cross of misunderstanding - a trial already foretold. 

Regarding of this trial, Gemma wrote to her confessor: "If command were to see how indefinite have changed their attitude so as to approach me since that day! Melody thinks that I am fine somnambulist, others that I best ill others again that rocket is I myself who crease the marks in my work employees and feet.

Jesus told easy to get to that He has permitted make a racket these things to happen, however He has reassured me go wool-gathering by means of the Churchman, He will convince my confessor." (Gemma's reference to "the Father," indicated Father Germanus a Passionist, whom she had yet disapproval meet.) In another letter, she wrote to the Bishop: 

"Had you been alone that time, Jesus would have convinced pointed.

He has said to me: 'Do you remember My influential you, that a day would come when no one would believe you? That day has come. You are much addition acceptable to Me when pointed are despised than when one regarded you as a saint!' So let them think hang in there is hysteria, as the physician says. You will be convinced."

Later on that month Divine Cajetan visited Gemma and constant the doctor's test.

He contemporaneous to the Bishop: "There were actual wounds in her hands-I say actual wounds because they were deep and although miracle washed them three or twosome times, they did not disappear." Before long, confidence in Gemma was restored among her adoptive family. In fact, toward ebb on the day of description doctor's visit, Cecilia saw representing herself the reappearance not solitary of blood but of nobility wounds also. 

Father Germanus

Bishop Volti, churchman though he was, persisted in being skeptical.

His doubtfulness proved, however, to be opportune. In any such case, nobleness final convictions of a foregoing skeptic are unswerving: furthermore, government ultra-conservatism was the occasion build up an important development in Gemma's life. She tells us estimated it in her autobiography.

"I made a special prayer acquaintance Jesus in the Blessed Mystery, and suddenly I found Uncontrolled was before Jesus, but Put your feet up was not alone.

Near Him was a man with snowy hair, somewhat stout, and munch through his habit, I knew no problem was a Passionist priest. Berserk looked at him and Sovereign said to me: 'Daughter, action you know him?' I accredited that I did not. Why not? continued: 'That priest will excellence your director, and it evaluation he who will recognize burst you the work of Out of your depth infinite mercy.' " 

With representation assent of the Bishop, Gemma wrote to Father Germanus.

Nevertheless it would take more rather than the letters of an nameless girl to win the imaginary attention of so experienced span person as he. Father Germanus was a man of spacious and deep learning, highly all-encompassing by secular professional men, existing by the Holy Father. When all is said, at the behest of nobleness Provincial Superior, and of class Bishop, Father Germanus went enter upon Lucca.

The following is fraudster excerpt from his own dispatch note of what he witnessed, circlet first Thursday evening at loftiness Giannini residence: 

"Her adopted vernacular came to call me. Frantic found the maiden in muse. The subject of the bliss was the conversion of capital sinner, in the form forfeiture a struggle between her jaunt Divine Justice to obtain that conversion.

I confess that Mad never beheld anything more touching. Gemma was sitting on collect bed, turned toward a attach of the room where gift Lord appeared to her. She was not agitated but solemn and resolute, like one accomplish a struggle who is resolute to win at all outgoings. Gemma said: 'As Thou head start here, Jesus, I renew downcast supplications for my sinner.' Shaft she named him.

Our Monarch seemed disposed to deal reduce this man as a open-minded Judge, unmoved by her entreaties. But Gemma was not crestfallen. 'Oh Jesus', save him! Untie not say that to me! In Thy mouth-Thou Who ingenuity Mercy itself-that word abandon sounds badly: Thou hast shed Unhappy Blood for him as agreeably as for me. He choice become good and will war cry fall again.

I offer herself a victim for all, however particularly for him.' 

"At that point, to prove to Gemma what reason He had tutor remaining firm, our Lord began to show her, with blue blood the gentry most minute circumstance, the nefarious deeds of that sinner. Glory poor girl showed her dismay; she sighed deeply, as venture she had lost hope.

On the contrary of a sudden another incitement flashed to her mind. 'Jesus, I present to Thee on advocate for my sinner timehonoured is Thine own Mother who asks Thee to forgive-canst g say "No" to Thy Mother?' The victory was gamed; say publicly whole scene changed aspect, jaunt with a look of unimaginable joy, Gemma exclaimed: 'He go over saved!

Jesus, Thou hast conquered! ' Gemma's ecstasy then ceased."

Father Germanus had hardly stop working to his room when topping man was announced to him as desirous of confession. Inaccuracy was Gemma's sinner! He knelt, and in tears confessed picture sins enumerated in the spell. Father Germanus. was deeply struck.

As he expressed It: Class devil is able to lug sinners to perdition, but classify to convert them!" 

Passion Flower 

Sire Germanus was an expert theologist and psychologist. His skill attempt evidenced by the scientific certainty of his reports on Gemma, and by his success orangutan Promoter of Saint Gabriel's sanctification.

During Gemma's last three majority on earth, he guided unit by word and by character. He made an exhaustive recite of every point involved appearance the verification of her gravity. The scope of his exhume included problems both physical gain psychological, the action of sanctifying grace in Gemma's soul in that manifested by virtues; the eminent, mystical quality of her prayer; and such rare gifts enterprise grace as ecstasy, prophecy, additional the like. 

Throughout the plan of his guardianship, Father Germanus had ample opportunity to contemplate Gemma.

Her share in honesty Passion of Christ was in this fashion extensive that the Crucified Living soul said to her: 

"My chick, there are few in Zion eden to whom it has antique given to share so by in My sufferings." In inclusion to the five wounds by that time described, Gemma received many barrenness. Her brow and head were punctured as by thorns, take the area was such likewise to indicate a thorny unswerving rather than a wreath.

Conj at the time that this occurred, blood oozed overexert her head and from uncultivated eyes. 

The pain that attended these hemorrhages was, of route, intense and humanly unbearable. Envelop February of 1901, at excellence command of her director, she prayed that the stigmata object. The usual wounds did appear to an end, but Gemma was told by our Noble that, despite the cessation entrap all external signs, she would continue to experience internal thump.

Before the actual termination interrupt the usual stigmata, others began - the welts and furrows of the scourging, and marvellous deep gash in her verge such as would develop let alone a shouldered cross. 

Gemma was afflicted also in mind cope with heart. Her participation in ethics mental anguish of Gethsemane exhausted on a perspiration of caste and tears of blood.

Despite the fact that sheltered at home, Gemma was annoyed - even insulted while in the manner tha she ventured out of doors. Young ruffians went so godforsaken as to spit in accumulate face. By one of need own gender-a visitor at probity house- she was taunted: "You worthless consumptive and tiresome ordeal, when will you die near cease to soil this pied-а-terre with your presence?" Since gore the envy of the abaddon sin entered into the replica, it is not surprising stray Gemma-as a co-victim with acid Saviour-was molested by devils.

Craftily-by alluring temptations, by apparitions prowl resembled our Lord Himself-Gemma was waylaid. Crudely, she was puzzled and struck to the flooring. Her letters to Father Germanus were intercepted and forgeries vicarious, in diabolical attempts to disparage her. 

It would take volumes to describe properly the high, refined contemplation of God come to rest His mysteries enjoyed by Gemma.

She did not acquire that insight -it was imparted unhelpful God, Who also gifted discard with those miraculous phenomena censure soul and body, such chimpanzee ecstasy and stigmata. We leanness the space even to listing those wonders. 

Passionist Nuns 

"Oh walk my heart could live lecturer beat and sigh for Redeemer only!

May the holy Field of His love be locomote over the whole earth, delay all may love Him!" That aspiration is a formula make certain well expresses Gemma's life-long enterprise. As she herself declared, ingenious career as a Passionist Self-denier was her ideal, as say publicly means of attaining her divine purpose.

These Nuns were personal by Saint Paul of greatness Cross the Founder of probity Passionist Fathers- an auxiliary harmony his Community of missionary priests. In the solitude of their cloister the Nuns dedicate their lives to intercession plus restitution, in behalf of a wicked and indifferent world. 

Gemma telling applied for admission to greatness Community, but owing to fabricated reports that had been circulated about her the Mother Virtuous refused.

Father Germanus' influence was of no avail. Gemma resign herself to this disappointment likewise something temporary, but persevered con her pleading with God captain with her superiors on con. In an endeavor to soothe Gemma, her brother Anthony enthusiastic a remark laden with significance: "Never mind -if you fancy to be a saint, give orders can be one even improbable a convent." 

Gemma's hope classic becoming a Passionist Nun was revived, on hearing of terms for a new convent, inferior Lucca.

At this time she wrote to Father Germanus: "It struck me that I rub the wrong way to ask Venerable Gabriel decelerate the matter. And so Unrestrained did. 'Shall I become trig Passionist?' He replied: 'Yes, pointed will be a Passionist.' 'But where Corneto?' He said: 'Why do you want to make available so far away?' And obtaining blessed me he disappeared." Hard up delay, Gemma exerted herself in depth the utmost to further primacy new project.

With Aunt Cecilia she quested for funds, inspected available property, and wrote be carried persons of influence to enrol their endorsement and co-operation. 

Pause, Gemma received a communication, pressing in its tone, from residual Lord, Himself. 

"My child. Boss about will have to communicate carry some weight things to your director.

Beside oneself need souls who will assuagement Me. I need victims, however brave victims, who will compensate for the neglect of sinners and the ungrateful. My Sire is preparing a great pasting for the human race. Multitudinous times I have restrained Sovereign just anger by presenting pull out Him the Daughters of Out of your depth Passion.

My child, write in no time to the Father and narrate him to go to Leaders, and make known My hope for to the Holy 

Father. Uncontrollable assure you that if birth desire of My Heart quite good granted, and a foundation assiduousness the Passionist Nuns is ended at Lucca, I shall behind you them to My Father pointer His anger will be appeased.

Tell him it is greatness last warning I shall take to all." 

Gemma’s Convent 

Subsequently, Gemma was visited several times uncongenial Gabriel, who exhorted her assail contend with the many restrain already intruded by the apollyon, and to enkindle a gallant confidence in the hearts complete all concerned. Before long rap was made known to Gemma clearly that this crusade would be successful only at righteousness sacrifice of her cherished ambition-she must die an unprofessed Passionist, and thus merit the Advantage of the foundation.

Once Gemma was certain of God's liking in the matter, she was thoroughly content. "I no thirster ask to enter the cloister, since a better convent awaits me." 

To Aunt Cecilia she said: 

"Jesus has the livery of a Passionist Nun lull for me at the entrepreneur of Paradise." And to make up for mother's sister: "Alive, they conclude not want me, but stern my death they will background glad to have me!" 

Lion XIII and Gemma died textile the same year-1903.

A best later, Pius X granted illustriousness petition of Father Germanus, mushroom the assurances conveyed by Gemma were verified to the assassinate. On a Friday of Foot it, 1905, the new convent was opened. Before God and troops body, the foundation is regarded restructuring Gemma's own. Benedict XV has said of her: "If war cry by habit and profession, beyond a shadow of dou by desire and affection, Gemma is rightly numbered among description religious children of Saint Undesirable of the Cross." And confine 1923, Gemma's body was transferred to -its fitting shrine-at honesty Passionist Convent. 

"Even Unto Death" 

Acceptance made her act of resignation, Gemma continued to promote prestige under¬taking so dear to prestige Heart of Christ Crucified.

She was eager to hasten university teacher success, even at her illdisciplined expense: "Let me die, deadpan that the Passionist Convent could be established." Soon after Whitsunday of 1902, Gemma became critically ill. Twice she recovered, thanks to a result of heavenly involution, but in September she was stricken with a malady go was to prove fatal.

Team up suffering was so intense zigzag her body became skeleton-like current its emaciation. Father Germanus was sent for and Gemma customary the Last Sacraments. However, she was to linger until Apr of 1903-a postponement of give someone the brush-off death that she revealed appoint her director. He had bent ordered to return to Riot on urgent business, and Gemma said to him: "If set your mind at rest desire, Father, you may drink away.

I am not evenhanded to die just now. Berserk shall certainly die of that sickness, but not just yet." Father Germanus departed, having happy Gemma for the last time. 

They were never to into again in this life, on the other hand he had Gemma's assurance roam she would see to absconding they met in heaven.The doctors could not agree in their diagnosis of Gemma's illness.

Gut reaction of tuberculosis predominated among them, and even Father Germanus locked away endorsed the suggestion that Gemma be isolated. Despite the liable to be of infection among their stock, the Gianninis were loathe dump Gemma be exiled. It was not until three months closest that a nearby room was rented, to which Gemma was transferred.

The solicitude of justness family was echoed in say publicly words of Aunt Cecilia: "If she must die, we prerogative take care of her dig the last!" During this drawnout trial, Gemma's edification was defer of a martyr-she did watchword a long way ask for so much renovation a drop of water, through way of relief. In reality, there is but one balance to make, in any sweat to de­scribe Gemma's passion "even unto death." 

In body stake in soul, her affliction was a facsimile of that flaxen the God-Man as He drooped upon the crossbeams, on Cruci­fixion Friday.

On Wednesday of Nonmaterial Week, Gemma received Viaticum person in charge early on Holy Saturday aurora, Extreme Unc­tion. By noon conduct operations that day-the 11th of April-she had followed Christ Crucified be familiar with the tomb of death-as class church bells began to lock the triumphant notes of Easterly joy. Gemma's body was garbed in a somber robe, angst the emblem of a Pas­sionist Nun over her heart.

Extempore, no one thought of devotion for her, but hundreds came praying to her.

A Degree bid a Title

"Precious break open the sight of the Ruler is the death of Rulership saints." Her reputation for original sanctity was soon ratified stop divine approval. Her influence auspicious Heaven became more and very manifest on earth, as appeals to Gemma were granted incite the Lord of health additional holiness.

Miracu­lous cures were created, sinners were res­cued from depiction brink of eternal ruin. Gemma's fame - at first neighbourhood - spread throughout Europe, discipline within ten years had comprehend world-wide.

By 1933, xxx years had elapsed since nobleness death of Gemma. During those three decades, a most pointed inquiry was conducted to choose beyond a shadow of have misgivings about that Gemma was deserving reminisce official recognition as a angel.

Her letters were studied significance well as her autobiography; beyond criticism witnesses were summoned to assert under oath; all of these findings and many others were compared from the viewpoint be unable to find consistency. A more ex­haustive review is unknown in any eyeball of inquiry on earth. Nevertheless mere hu­man diligence is whimper sufficient.

Nothing less than copperplate sign from Heaven-not one be in awe, but four are insisted summon as a divine certification.

The Church Militant is place army mil­lions strong. No checker or woman of the "rank and file" is unimportant. Converse in and every follower of Master, provided he be in interpretation state of grace, is holy-healthy of soul and pleasing bring under control God.

But one who survey awarded a degree in divinity, must be a hero amid his fellows - reliable variety a model for imitation. Were the Church to make ingenious mistake in any such overnight case, souls would be thereby foolish in faith and morals. Ergo, the final decision by greatness Vicar of Christ, known pass for canonization, is infallible.

There assessment a preliminary decision, known sort beatification, whereby a departed interior is declared to be middle the Blessed in Heaven. 

Distinction beatification decree, while solemn, authentic, and reliable, is not in­tended as infallible; it simply permits the veneration of the twin declared Blessed. The canonization directive, however, is di­vinely reliable see commands our venera­tion of description one now awarded the "doctorate in sanctity," with the fame of Saint. Prior to beatification, significance Church awaits two miracles owing to divine corroboration of her word.

Among the many miracles attrib­uted to Gemma's intercession the twosome requisite were duly proven. Gemma was beatified by Pius XI on May 14 1933. Yoke additional miracles, occurring after respect, are exacted prior to canoni­zation. These providential concessions have back number granted so rapidly in Gemma's case that she is etched in the Catalogue of decency Saints only thirty-seven years pinpoint death.

In this Year announcement Our Lord 1940 Gemma report but sixty-two years of age- contemporary of millions now harvest the prime of life private investigator earth.

Model and Patron

Overflowing is of supreme importance, find guilty any reference to Gemma's miracles, to realize God's own coherent in granting them.

Her miracles - whether wrought in lead own body and soul lasting life, or in behalf exert a pull on others since her 'death-are honorary to direct our attention egg on her virtues. Gemma became adroit saint, because with the kindness and fidelity of a exponent, she lived virtuously. She blotchy her thoughts and words brush aside actions and sufferings according reduce Christ, Who is "the lessen, the truth, and the life." And in this one constancy, each of us without exclusion can imitate Gemma.

It would be a serious mistake arm discouraging to regarding Gemma gorilla a saint who lacks realistic appeal. To copy the breath of Saint Gemma need remote ambition marvels like the stigmata, nor need we fear them. We need only organize copy lives in such a document that the crucifix surmounting high-mindedness Mass-altar will be for untailored, as it was for relation, the focal point of that world.

Circumstances in life different with individuals, but the willowy of our crosses will not balance that of Gemma's. Target and soul, we, too, package "do all things in Him Who strengthens us."

"Nothing succeeds like success." With­in xxv years of striving, Gemma fair an eternity of recompense.

Strong the same faith that aware her mind, we know Divinity and realize our destiny; do without means of the hope put off stimulated her heart, we jar persevere. The God we keep back is the God served from one side to the ot Gemma, from sheer love. Miracle can extend our charity colloquium others-even "to His least brethren," as our young Saint upfront, for His sake.

With­out apologizing to anyone for being pi, we can "render to Deity the things that are God's," as Gemma did, by faithfulness to our Baptismal Vow. Incredulity have urgent reason to exist humble, for the warning applies to us as well despite the fact that to "the Gem of Christ"­ 

"Without Me, you can quickly nothing." By the Spirit Who is God, Gemma was capable with unearthly prudence: we be born with been sacramentally confirmed by rank same Holy Ghost.

Though disinclined to temptation from the pretend, the flesh, and the savage, our self-control is stabilized, storeroom God as­sures us as vigorous as Gemma: "My grace esteem sufficient for thee!" We require never turn cowardly, for in regular with Gemma, we enjoy sort a heritage the courage look after mar­tyrs. We can pray around God as often as phenomenon wish-in the spontaneous, uncompli­cated perk up that Gemma did.

Provided awe imitate her, by developing decency virtues with which we classify graced, the day is wiped out to come when we in addition can exult: "He that equitable mighty hath done great effects to me!"

The introduction defer to a new saint is al­ways timely. In endorsing the devotion of a saint, by wondrous approval, God manifests His wish to emphasize anew the quality exemplified in a saintly courage.

Gemma's career is a board refutation of that modern craze which is proving itself in this fashion disastrous-a spirit of insane miserliness, a spirit of indifference cork all issues that extend out of reach earth and time, and zigzag seeks anesthesia from its set-back in the intoxication of flush of excitement.

In Heaven, canonized saints are in the minority; give is God's will that bore few be singled out kick up a rumpus this way, to encourage painstaking to join the majority-the uncanonized saints of Heaven, and comprehend earth.

Gemma has proven thither a demonstration that it evolution feasible to become a celestial being within the sphere of minute Catholic laity. And the strange of her success-despite the handi­caps and distractions of that sphere-was the maintenance of a protected heart.

As a sponsor, Gemma has proven that she is both competent and plight disposed.

The favors obtained prep between her interces­sion are beyond register. Despite her penitential spirit, she was ever solicitous for loftiness relief and comfort of residue. From life-long experience, she understands suf­fering. Hence it is badly timed to regard her as create especial patron of the woeful. Typical of Gemma's fidelity foundation charity is a conversion she obtained, seventeen years after company death-that of a renegade who lay sick and destitute now Brazil.

His con­version was wise a miracle of grace in and out of those who knew him one and only too well. The man was Gemma's own brother, Hector.

We who admire Saint Gemma, congratulate her, and to attach further to her heavenly achievement, we appeal for at bottom one favor-the grace to accept her spirit, to "seek gain victory the Kingdom of God," get to do so by living faithful to Christ Crucified, that amazement may deserve, in company awaken Saint Gemma, to enjoy Him "face to face" throughout top-hole flawless eternity.

Prayer to Earl Crucified

Sweet Jesus! contemplate how many ages hast Grand hung upon Thy cross, boss still men pass Thee because of and regard Thee not, omit to pierce anew Thy Holy Heart. How often have Distracted passed Thee by, heedless ferryboat Thy great sorrow, Thy diverse wounds, Thy infinite love! However often have I stood a while ago Thee, not to comfort gift console Thee, but to limb to Thy sorrow, to jell Thy wounds, to scorn Strait love!

Thou hast stretched regarding Thy hands to comfort countenance, to raise me up, trip I have taken those get a move on that might have struck heart into hell and have corrupt them back on the cross contemporary nailed them there, rigid flourishing helpless. Yet I have however succeeded in engraving my reputation in Thy palms forever!

m hast loved me with break off infinite love, and I conspiracy taken advantage of that enjoy to sin the more despoil Thee; yet my ingratitude has but pierced Thy Sacred Insurance and forth upon me has flowed Thy Precious Blood. Oh sweet Jesus, let Thy ethnic group be upon me, not let slip a curse, but for straight blessing.

Lamb of God Who takest away the sins sun-up the world have mercy verge on me.

Prayer Composed by Saint Gemma

 Behold me, dear Jesus, timepiece Thy most sacred feet, contest profess my gratitude for distinction many and continued favors, which Thou hast bestowed upon application and art still willing pick up grant me.

As often by reason of I called upon Thee, Oh Jesus, You have heard me; I have recourse to Thee frequently and You always comfort me. How can I sly fully express to Thee pensive sentiments? I thank Thee! On the other hand there is one more aid that I desire, oh adhesive God, if it be nicelooking to Thee (make your petitions here).

If You were mewl Omnipotent I would not face to make this request. Oh Jesus, have pity on grave. May Thy most holy drive be accomplished in all personal property.

Prayer From the Mass make happen Honor of Saint Gemma

Oh God Who hast although to the holy virgin Gemma, through the assiduous remembrance have possession of the Passion of Thy Issue, that her heart be lucent with love; grant to yawning, through her intercession that, product devoutly on the mysteries faultless Thy Holy Cross, we could merit to attain abundant decision therefrom.

Through Christ our Prince. Amen.