When praying to saints for intercession do not forget Gemma Galgani who passed away at 25

There is a book named “The Life of St. Gemma Galagani” published by “Tan Books.com” and tells of the life of this wonderful angelic girl from the city of Lucca, Italy. One would need to read this seraphic story that has enamored the interest of many modern people who have been cured by this child that lived her short life seeking, talking, and imitating the Passion of Jesus Christ.

She was born near Lucca in 1878. Her life resembled the suffering of Christ and became a holy child that also experienced the Stigmata of Christ and through this became the recipient of suffering just as Jesus did on Calvary’s mountain of forgiveness.

As I have written there is no forgiveness without a cross, and we cannot complete the journey to our cross without suffering; great suffering. Christ began his earthly journey following his Incarnation and each step along this walk contributed to the inclusion of suffering for all of humanity. Gemma also learned to accept suffering as a way to the heart of Jesus which could not distract her love to be just like her God, Jesus. Her life was always filled with ecstasy and she welcomed every moment as her desire to be exactly like the Lord.

The one outstanding grace-filled result of her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ is her constant need to receive the Holy Eucharist as often as possible. This is the very essence of her drive to be with Jesus on a daily basis and always was speaking with Jesus and understanding the communication with him realizing the eventual entity of becoming a spouse to the Lord.

In this book of her life, there are many signs of healing, especially for sinful people of which she is an advocate as well as the poor souls in purgatory. Her love for sinners places a much needed grace that God calls all of us to pray for their expiation and not very many will go straight to heaven at their death since perfection is needed to enter into God’s perfect kingdom.

In the realm of holiness which everyone should try to emulate the suffering Gemma experienced is the same thing we must also attempt to accept since that is what Christ did to redeem us and we can do the same to understand the Incarnation to the Passion and Resurrection of us as well.

If you are able to get a copy of her life, get one and read about a saint who is so close to Jesus that it will open your eyes to one of the modern saints who will sustain your questioning regarding a holy child who became a chosen vessel of extreme holiness. Perhaps during Lent this might present a very well written and understandable work that might just be a help in some contemplation for Lent.

Ralph B. Hathaway