BIOGRAPHY of ST GEMMA GALGANI - Get a Free Blog

BLESSED GEMMA GALGANI (1878-1903) Part 2 of 2 , by FATHER AMEDEO, C.P. , Translated from the
Italian by FATHER OSMUND THORPE, C.P., 1935, Published by Burns, Oates, and Washbourne,
London.
NIHIL OBSTAT: EDUARDUS J. MAHONEY, S.Th.D., Censor deputatus.
IMPRIMATUR: JOSEPH BUTT, Vic. Gen.
-Click here for Part One of this book
Blessed Gemma Galgani (Part 2 of 2)
CHAPTER XV
THE TEST -FULFILLING A MISSION
Father Gaetano had kept his word. He had told Gemma that he would think over the mysterious things she
had communicated and give his opinion of them later on. And he now pronounced his verdict. Moreover, in
order to make it easier for Gemma to tell Monsignor Volpi about these things, he came to an understanding
with her that he himself should first speak to him about them. Monsignor Volpi welcomed both Father
Gaetano and Gemma kindly, listened to them, approved of the action of the extraordinary confessor,
approved also of the vows Gemma had taken, but advised her to add another, that is, one of candor with her
confessor. As regards the Stigmata, however, he withheld his decision.
Father Gaetano was not content with having spoken to Monsignor Volpi. He wished to see the Stigmata for
himself, and to leave a written declaration of what he had seen. As a matter of fact he did leave such a
declaration. For this purpose Gemma was taken to the Giannini home by her friend Palmira Valentini and by
her little sister Julia. In their presence Father Gaetano told Gemma that he desired to see the Stigmata. She
obeyed and Father Gaetano was thus able to examine at his ease the backs and the palms of her hands.
Besides, he told Palmira to examine, in her own home, the wound in the side, but she was unable to do this
because Gemma would not permit it. After the failure of this attempt at examination and while she was still at
Palmira's home, Gemma retired to pray before an image of the Heart of Jesus and fell into an ecstasy. Her
sister Julia called her, and receiving no answer burst into tears. Gemma's face was flushed, and her wounds
were even more noticeable than in the morning. Later on she came to herself. The Stigmata continued to be
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