Meet St. Gemma, the patroness of pharmacists, students, those suffering from back illnesses, those struggling with temptations, and those seeking purity of heart. Quite the wide resume you have there St. Gemma!Lived from 1878 to 1903
Hometown: Camigliano, Italy
Feast Day: April 11th
St. Gemma was born to Catholic parents, her father being a pharmacist and her mother sadly dying when Gemma was young. Gemma was sent to a school where she was a fast learner and great student. As she learned she desired to grow closer and closer to God. Unfortunately she had to quit school because she had a spinal disease. However she was miraculously cured from this after praying to St. Gabriel Possenti. She lived a prayerful lifestyle and wanted to become a nun, but her poor health prevented her from doing so. In 1899 Gemma saw a vision of Christ crucified and later on received the stigmata, which would receive every week from Thursday until Friday. She kept receiving these until the last three years of her life, where her spiritual director forbade her to accept them because of her poor health. She died at the age of 25 of Tuberculosis, although people said her face was so peaceful it was hard to believe she was dead. For more information:
http://www.stgemmagalgani.com/p/blessed-gemma-galgani-biography-of.html
St. Gemma, thank you for your patronage in many things. Your devotion to the suffering Lord teaches us strength and beauty when there is suffering. Give us the fortitude we all need to continue growing closer to God.
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