Gemma Galgani was born on March 12, 1878, the middle child of a successful pharmacist. Her mother, at first, did not like the name “Gemma” because it wasn’t a saint name. The parish priest mentioned that “Gemma” means “gem,” and there are many of those in Heaven. When her mother heard that, she agreed to name her daughter “Gemma.”
When she was very young, Gemma’s mother became sick with tuberculosis. Because of this, Gemma was sent to a private nursery school when she was two and a half. While she was at the school, many of her family members died; her mother, two brothers, and a sister.
Gemma went to school in Lucca, which was run by the Sisters of St. Zita. During this time, she developed a very deep prayer life, and at the age of nine, received her First Communion. Gemma was quiet and prayerful, with a smile for everyone. She was liked by all the teachers, as well as her fellow students. Gemma became sick at sixteen, and had to quit school. She recovered soon after, attributing her recovery to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When she turned eighteen, her father died, and Gemma was put in charge of caring for her younger siblings. Once some of her siblings were old enough to share in caring for the younger ones, Gemma left to live with an aunt.
Gemma kept a diary, and recorded conversations she had with her guardian angel, Mary, Jesus, and some saints. She was sometimes given messages about current of future events by Jesus, Mary, or her guardian angel. She was occasionally heard arguing with her guardian angel. Her spiritual director would have to tell her that she was speaking to a heavenly being, and must therefore be spoken to with respect. On June 8, 1899, Gemma began to show signs on the stigmata. Because she was so sick, her spiritual director told her to pray for the stigmata to be removed, which she did.
Gemma eventually left her home to live with another family that allowed her more freedom for living out her religious life. She prayed so fervently that she was often in the state of ecstasy, and during that state, was rumored to have levitated.
In 1903, Gemma was diagnosed with tuberculosis. She suffered for a couple months, but it was during Holy Week that she really began to decline in health. She passed away on Holy Saturday, April 11th, at the age of 25. The parish priest said, “She died with a smile which remained upon her lips.”
St. Gemma is known as the “Flower of Lucca,” and the “Daughter of Passion” because of her imitation of the Passion of Christ.
Activities to Try:
+ Find ways to teach others about Jesus
+ Pray to St. Gemma for the grace to love Christ as she did.
St. Gemma Galgani
Behold me at Your Most Holy feet, O dear Jesus, to manifest to You my gratitude for the continual favors which You have bestowed upon me, and still wish to bestow upon me. As many times as I have invoked You, O Jesus, You have made me content; I have often had recourse to You and You have always consoled me. How shall I express myself to You, dear Jesus? I thank You! Yet one more grace I desire of You, O my God, if it would be pleasing to You (mention intention). If you were not omnipotent, I would not make this request. O Jesus, have pity on me. May Your Most Holy Will be done in all things. Pray for us, St. Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Comments