About St. Gemma

Gemma Maria Umberta Pia Galgani, also known as the Flower of Lucca (Italy), was an Italian mystic often called the "Daughter of the Passion." Gemma was born on March 12, 1878, in Camigliano, a village in Tuscany near Lucca, Italy. See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, Venerable Fr. Germanus, C.P. at pg. 1.

"Gemma was gifted with no ordinary beauty. She was of dignified bearing, gentle and graceful, and although she dressed in the simplest way, without any ornament, she still appeared to the best advantage. Her eyes were known to be remarkably brilliant . . . [t]he piety and modesty manifested in her whole person . . . rendered her more attractive." See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 36.

Gemma was beatified on May 14, 1933 by Pope Pius XI and canonized on May 2, 1940, only 37 years after her death, by Pope Pius XII. She is the patron saint of those struggling with temptations against purity, the death of parents, those with tuberculosis, of students and of pharmacists. Her feast day is celebrated on April 11 (May 16 for the Passionists).

Her parents, Enrico Galgani and Aurelia Landi Galgani, had eight children in total, five boys and three girls. See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 1.
Gemma herself was the fourth child and eldest daughter. Id. Here are the names of her siblings (as recorded in family and diocesan biographies):

• Gino Galgani – the eldest brother (sometimes listed as Luigi Gino); See Dairy of St. Gemma, pg. 33.
• Antonio Galgani;
• Guido Galgani;
• Angiolina Galgani;
• Angelina Galgani (sometimes listed as a younger sister who died very young);
• Eugenio Galgani; and
• Juila Galgani. See Dairy, pg. 25.

• Gemma was baptized the day after her birth in the Parish Church of St. Michael in Camigliano. See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 1.
• When Gemma was two years old she was sent to a private half-boarding school for little boys and girls of the best families. See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 2.
• It was described that "Gemma gave evidence of ripe intelligence at a very young age and seemed to already have obtained the use of reason." See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 2. "She was serious, thoughtful, wise in everything, and differed from all her companions. She never seen to cry nor to quarrel; her countenance was always calm and sweet." Id.
• At a very young age, Gemma developed a love for prayer based on the example of her mother, who "was a saint and a most perfect model to all Catholic mothers." See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 4-5.
• Her mother taught Gemma her first prayers at home and provided Gemma with spiritual guidance. See Dairy, pg. 11-12. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 5.
• Gemma received Confirmation on May 26, 1885. See Dairy, pg. 13.
• At Confirmation Mass, Gemma heard a voice in her heart saying to her "Are you willing to give your mother to me?" Id. Gemma was tested as an eight year old child to offer her mother willingly to heaven. See Dairy, pg. 13. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 8.
• Two months passed after Confirmation Mass, and while her mother was sick, Gemma never left her side. See Dairy, at 14.
• Tortuously, her father forced her to leave her mother's side for almost two months (July to September 1885) because her father was afraid Gemma would get sick as well. See Dairy, at 14.
• Gemma's mother passed away on September 19, 1886, when Gemma was eight. See Dairy, at 14. But See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 8-9.
• Her mother inspired Gemma's desire for heaven. See Dairy, pg. 37. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 31.
• When Gemma asked Jesus why He didn't take her to heaven with her mother, Jesus said "My daughter, I did not take you because during your life I will give you many occasions to gain more merit, increasing your desire for Heaven as you bear the trials of life with patience." See Dairy, at pg. 37.
   

• Between the ages of 8-9, Gemma went to confession often. See Dairy at 15.
• At age 8, and beginning in 1886, Gemma was enrolled in the school run by the Sisters of St. Zita (Zitine Sisters) in Lucca. See Dairy, at 15. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 11.
• On June 19, 1887, when Gemma was 9, she received her first communion. See Dairy, at 17. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 14.
• Gemma's first communion resolutions were: 1.) I will receive Confession and Communion each time as though it were my last. 2.) I will visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament often, especially when I am afflicted. 3.) I will prepare myself for the feast of the Blessed Mother by some mortification, and every evening I will ask my heavenly Mother's blessing. 4.) I want to remain always in the presence of God. 5.) Every time the clock strikes, I will repeat three times "My Jesus, mercy." See Dairy at 21. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 15.
• St. Zita was attached to the Convent of St. Zita (also called the “Institute of St. Zita” or “Zitine School”).
• There, Gemma excelled in her studies — in the scholastic year 1893-94 she won the great Gold Prize for religious knowledge. See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 26.
• She was known for her gentleness, devotion, and was described as the "soul of the school." See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 19.
• Before Gemma was told to stop by her father, she would give everything she had to the poor, including bread, flower, linen, clothes, or whatever else she had. She wept when she could not give them anything. See Dairy, at 23. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 28.
• Gemma attended a retreat in 1891 ". . . and during this time, Gemma was to be completely changed as to give herself entirely to Jesus." See Dairy, at 29.
• From the ages of 14 to 17, from 1892 to 1895, Gemma received Communion three times a week and went to Confession three times a week. See Dairy, at 30.
   

• Unfortunately, due to her father’s financial difficulties and her own ill health, Gemma could not pursue further advanced studies and returned home to care for her siblings. See Dairy pg. 35.
• This appears to have happened in 1894 when Gemma was 16 years old. See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 28-34.

GEMMA WAS CURED FROM AN ILLNESS SURROUNDING THE PASSING OF HER BROTHER GINO IN 1894

When Gemma's brother Gino was sick tuberculosis, Gemma was so attached to him that she “. . . started using all his things so that I would die too.” See Dairy, pg. 33-34. Gina passed away on September 11, 1894. Id. Soon Gemma was forced to bed, ill for about three months, after which she was restored to health (a kind of miraculous recovery). Id. 

But still weak, she was forbidden to continue attending her studies with the Zitine Sisters, and she ended school early. See Dairy, pg. 35.

At the end of 1895, Gemma received from a relative a gold watch, and gold chain and cross. After wearing these "trinkets" out and about, Gemma encountered her guardian angel on her return. Fr. Germanus writes that this is "the first intimation we have of Gemma's familiar relations with the angelic spirits, which was afterwords so frequent and even daily." Fr. Germanus wrote further, "[a]t eighteen years of age, she was found worthy not only to hear the voice of Jesus, but to gaze at and talk to Him. She had then begun that supernatural life which by degrees rendered her so holy." See The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 30-31.

In the beginning of 1986, she wrote in a little notebook: "[d]uring this new year, I resolve to begin a new life. I do not know what will happen to me during this year. But I abandon myself entirely to You my God. And all my aspirations and affections will be for You. I feel so weak, dear Jesus, but with Your help, I hope and resolve to live a different life -- that is, a life closer to You." See Dairy, pg. 36. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 29-30.

• During the year 1896, when Gemma was 18, Gemma suffered from a serious condition in one foot (some accounts describe it as a necrosis, bone disease or ulcer). See Dairy, pg. 41. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 33.
• She had an operation on her foot in which she suffered much pain. Id. as to both citations.
• After a novena and prayer for healing, the foot improved dramatically—some biographers regard it as an early, minor miraculous cure.
  

• Gemma's father passed away in 1897 from throat cancer. See Dairy, pg. 45. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 33-34.
• Upon her father's death, their family was destitute due to their father's bankruptcy in 1896, and Gemma stayed with her relatives. See Dairy, pg. 47. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 33-34.
• Gemma began to struggle with worldly desires during this time. See Dairy, pg. 47-48.
• In 1898, until March 1, 1899, Gemma fell gravely ill with spinal meningitis. See Dairy, pg. 49-50. 
• The illness left her bedridden, paralyzed, and near death for several months. See Dairy, pg. 50. See also The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, at pg. 43.
• Gemma asked her guardian angel why Jesus wanted her to be sick and her angel said "[i]f Jesus afflicts you in body, it is always in order to purify your soul. Be good." See Dairy, pg. 51.
• Feeling tormented by the devil and helpless in her suffering, Gemma prayed fervently to the then Venerable Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin (now St. Gabriel Possenti). See Dairy, pg. 53-56, 57-58.
• She reported that Gabriel appeared to her in a vision, and through his intercession, she was miraculously healed overnight—regaining full use of her limbs and strength. See Dairy, pg. 57-58.
• From the moment she got up from her sickbed, her guardian angel began to be her master and guide. See Dairy, pg. 67.

‘Two hours later I got up … All at home were weeping for joy. I was pleased, not because I had regained my health, but because Jesus had chosen me for His daughter. And, indeed, before leaving me that morning He had said very clearly to my heart: “To the grace I have given you this morning others greater will be added.”’ Autobiography, pg. 50–52.

Another account in the Passionist-history presentation says:

“On her sickbed … Gemma was … suffering. A novena was suggested as the only chance for a cure. At midnight on February 23rd, 1899, she heard the rattling of a rosary and realized that Venerable Gabriel was appearing to her. He spoke: ‘Do you wish to recover? Pray with faith every evening to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I will come to you until the Novena is ended, and will pray together to this Most Sacred Heart.’ … The grace was granted; Gemma was cured.” 

Later in her life, Gemma received many mystical experiences and special graces. These were often misunderstood by others, especially her sister, causing ridicule. 

Throughout her life, Gemma longed to enter the convent, but her frail health made her ineligible. She accepted this disappointment with serenity, offering it to God as a sacrifice of love.

On June 8, 1899, Gemma sensed inwardly that a special grace was to be bestowed upon her. That evening she experienced intense pain and saw blood flow from her hands, feet, and heart—the sacred marks of the stigmata. Each Thursday night she would fall into ecstasy as the wounds appeared, often remaining until Friday.

In her Diary, Gemma frequently wrote of her guardian angel, whom she described as a constant protector. In one tender account, she said her angel even brought her a cup of coffee when she was weak. She was often consoled by visits from Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, saints, and holy souls; at times she spoke of conversing with those beyond this world.

In January 1903 Gemma was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Her final months were marked by intense physical suffering borne with unshakable faith. At the beginning of Holy Week that year her pain deepened, yet she remained serene. On Holy Saturday, April 11, 1903, at just twenty-five years old, Gemma surrendered her soul to God, passing into eternal life with peace and joy.

The Parish Priest in her company said, "She died with a smile which remained upon her lips, so that I could not convince myself that she was really dead."

"I wish, oh Jesus, that my voice could reach to the ends of the world, to call all sinners and tell them to enter into Thy Heart....Oh, if only all sinners would come to Thy Heart!... Come! Come sinners, do not be afraid! The sword of Justice cannot reach you here!"

• “The Flower of Lucca” – a title used locally in her native Lucca, Italy, recognizing her purity and holiness.
   
• “The Gem of Christ” – a devotional name, reflecting on the meaning of her name Gemma (“gem” or “jewel”).
   
• “The Virgin of Lucca” – referring to her chastity and her home city.

• “The Passion Flower” – another poetic title linked to her bearing the wounds of the Crucified.
   
• “The Daughter of the Passion” / “Child of the Passion” – because of her intense devotion to Christ’s Passion and her stigmata.
   

• The name “Daughter of the Passion” (or sometimes “Child of the Passion”) arose because of Gemma’s profound devotion to the Passion of Christ.
   
• From her teenage years, Gemma had an intense love for meditating on Jesus’ suffering on the Cross, especially on His wounds and the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
   
• Her spiritual director, Venerable Father Germanus C.P., was a Passionist priest; the Passionists have a special charism of honoring the Passion of Christ.
   
• Father Germanus noticed how completely Gemma’s soul and prayer life were centered on the Passion, and in his writings he sometimes referred to her as “the true daughter of our Congregation,” even though her health prevented her from joining the Passionist nuns.
   

• On June 8, 1899, Gemma received the stigmata — the wounds of Christ in her hands, feet, and side — an experience that linked her physically and spiritually to the sufferings of the Crucified.
   
• These wounds would appear on Thursday evenings during her ecstasies and often lasted until Friday, the day the Church commemorates the Lord’s Passion.
   
• Gemma offered her sufferings for sinners, the Church, and souls in Purgatory — a spiritual participation in Christ’s own redemptive suffering.
   

• Calling her a “Daughter of the Passion” expresses that Gemma lived and prayed as if she were born of Christ’s suffering love.
   
• It also highlights that, although she was never able to become a Passionist nun due to her fragile health, she lived the Passionist spirit in her heart and in her wounds.
   

• “Saint Gemma of Lucca” – sometimes used in formal Church or local references.
   
• “Blessed Gemma” – her title before canonization (she was beatified in 1933).
   
• “Servant of God” Gemma Galgani – her title during the early stages of her canonization process.
   

• Father Germanus C.P., her spiritual director and biographer, often called her:
   
  • “The Spouse of the Crucified”
     
  • “The Victim of Divine Love”

Purchase the life of St. Gemma ($15.22)

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Opening Prayer (said each day):
O Saint Gemma, beloved spouse of the Crucified,
you bore in your own body the marks of His Passion
and shared so deeply in His sufferings.
Intercede for me before the throne of mercy,
that I may bear my cross patiently,
grow in love for Jesus Crucified,
and reach the joy of eternal life.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell;
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
who art all-good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Daily Prayer:
(After the Act of Contrition, say the following each day:)
O most gentle Gemma, mirror of humility and patience, bright seraph of love for Jesus Crucified,
I come to you with confidence, poor sinner that I am, to implore your heavenly aid. You know well the cross that weighs upon my heart. Pray for me that I may be granted:

 (here mention your intention),
if it be according to God’s holy will and for the good of my soul. Help me to accept with peace whatever God permits. Obtain for me the grace to live and die in God’s friendship. Amen.

Closing Prayers:

• Our Father…
• Hail Mary…
• Glory Be…
• Saint Gemma Galgani, pray for us.
   

• Pray the Opening Prayer, Act of Contrition, Daily Prayer, and Closing Prayers each day for nine consecutive days.
   
• You may add a short reading from her letters or a meditation on the Passion each day if desired.

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The Chaplet of St. Gemma, Recite: 

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Oh most glorious St. Gemma, mirror of innocence and penance, may we who humbly invoke thy Heavenly intercession, obtain from thee the grace of purity in all our thoughts, words, and actions. Amen.

Oh 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 thyself to 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. Oh 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 Thyself 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. 

Dearest St. Gemma, sister and friend in Christ, you know the value of suffering and the blessings of healing. Please pray that our Lord will heal me and my family of our physical, emotional and spiritual aliments, through Christ, our Lord. Amen."

A rosary may be used - the following prayers are repeated as follows the five (5) decades of the rosary:

• Repeat the following two prayers five times, over the ten decade beads - so to use all ten beads. Move one bead and say: "Jesus let me come to thee, I thirst for Thy life giving blood" then move one bead and say one (1) Hail Mary. (Repeat consecutively 5x).
• When completed, on the single bead say: "If I saw the gates of hell open, and 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." 
• Then say the Our Father. This concludes the decade.

After the five decades are completed, conclude the chaplet with: "O glorious St. Gemma, mirror of innocence and patience, may we who humbly invoke thy Heavenly intercession, obtain from thee the grace of purity in our all thoughts, words, and actions. Amen"

Watch here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTrKH62KISA