BIOGRAPHY of ST GEMMA GALGANI - Get a Free Blog

Doctor Gianni was not so opposed to Gemma's religious vocation as may at first appear. According to Elisa
Galgani his intention was to prevent her from entering that particular convent because in his opinion it would
not be suitable for her as it was situated in a damp place.
Further attempts were made later on to have Gemma received in this convent, but they all came to nothing.
Sister M. Julia once asked her whether she would like to enter the convent she was in, and she answered:
'Yes, indeed I would, but as Jesus wants me to become a Passionist I should have to leave.' However, when
she saw that the difficulties in the way of her being a Passionist were increasing instead of diminishing, she
showed herself more disposed to be a nun in that convent, and when it was pointed out to her that it was not
her proper vocation, she answered: 'It is better than nothing! '
To understand Gemma's words clearly, it must be remembered that she was convinced that she would one
day be a Passionist. On the other hand, Monsignor Volpi, seeing that no conclusion was being reached with
regard to her entrance among the Passionist nuns, and desiring to place her in an enclosed convent, yet
realizing how determined she was to become a Passionist, said to her: 'My child, if you pay any more
attention to Father Germanus, you will never become a religious.' These words supply the key to the right
understanding of many interesting details in the life of Blessed Gemma Galgani.
PROJECTS OF A FOUNDATION OF PASSIONIST NUNS IN LUCCA
At this time there was talk of a foundation of the Passionist nuns being made at Lucca, and this helped to
rouse new hope in Gemma's breast that if not at Tarquinia, then at least at Lucca she would be able to put on
the black habit of the Passion. And, to increase this hope, she had certain supernatural assurances. She
wrote to Father Germanus:
‘One day I heard that it was intended to found a Convent of the Passionist nuns here in Lucca, and it struck
me that I ought to ask Confrater Gabriel about the matter. I t seemed to me that I saw him and asked him:
"Will the foundation be made?" He answered me : " Sister mine, not for two years, but nevertheless I assure
you that the Convent will be opened." "But shall I become a Passionist ? " He answered: "Sister mine, yes,
you will be a Passionist." "But where?" I asked him. " Oh, let me go to Corneto ?" "But why do you want to go
so far away? " he asked. "In order to forget everybody and to be forgotten by all." He did not reply, but
blessed me and went away.'
Being now convinced that it was the Will of God that a Convent of the Passionist nuns should be established
at Lucca, Gemma lost no opportunity to push forward the work. 'God wishes it,' she said, ' and what God
wishes must surely be accomplished.' She encouraged and urged on all those whom she could influence in
any way to hasten the foundation. But her slogan, ' God wishes it,' was not received with all the enthusiasm
she desired, and she therefore set herself to meet the objections of the timid and the worldly prudent. She
began to look out for a suitable site for the new convent and in company with Cecilia Giannini searched the
whole of Lucca again and again. Besides this she wrote to Monsignor Volpi, to Father Germanus, to Father
Paul Tei, to Mother Joseph and others. To Father Paul Tei in particular she wrote asking him to use his
influence with Cardinal Martinelli. Mother Joseph had written to her saying that she believed that it was the
Will of God that the foundation should be made, and Gemma, filled with joy, replied in March, 19°1: 'It is true.
Jesus does indeed wish it, and He will soon give you this consolation. A great number of holy souls are
praying continually to Jesus that He may hasten the day, and among them is Signora Cecilia, who will not
have peace of mind until the foundation is made.' And Gemma made it known that there were eight thousand
lire ready, and several buildings to be let or for sale.
‘I DESIRE VICTIMS'
In the meantime, in order to increase her enthusiasm for a work that would be such a powerful means of
promoting His glory, Jesus confided to Gemma the sorrows of His Divine Heart and the consolation He was
expecting to derive from the new foundation. On October 13, 1901, she wrote to Father Germanus:
'Ten days ago . . . Jesus asked me this question: "Tell Me, My child, do you love Me very much?" Oh, Father,
how could I answer except with the palpitation of my heart. " And if you love Me," He added, " you will do
whatever I wish?" My heart once more answered and manifested my readiness. "It is an important matter, My
child. You will have to communicate important things to your director. He will give to My Heart the satisfaction
that It craves for." Then it appeared to me that Jesus continued thus: "My child," He exclaimed with a sigh, "
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