BIOGRAPHY of ST GEMMA GALGANI - Get a Free Blog

is a true gem of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; there is not the slightest possible doubt about it. I do not know
anything about the past, but to-day she is pure gold.' And on. March 4, 1901, he wrote:
‘With regard to hysteria, inasmuch as Jesus is so good and lovable, do not think of it, for that would be to
become absurd. No, no, there is not a trace of it in her. Modern medical men, even Catholic medical men,
are as it were set in their ideas on this point. If you desire to judge exactly concerning the external facts
connected with Gemma, you must not take one or two separately, but all of them together, and then you will
find that there is a marvelous agreement between them, binding them into a perfect uniformity. On the other
hand, hysteria has for substantial form, fickleness, inconstancy, light-headedness, futility, eccentricity,
irresoluteness, etc., because hysteria is a symptom of insanity; and whoever is mentally unbalanced, is
never consistent.'
Here are some further extracts from Father Germanus's letters to Monsignor Volpi, and it is clear from them
that from September, 1900, Father Germanus was indeed Gemma's spiritual director.
‘Your Excellency knows and understands better than I do, the present state of this maiden who has been
under your care for so long. I t seems to me that I am rash in interfering in the matter at all. But I shall take
the liberty of saying that, as things stand at present, it would be better to proceed with greater ease and
quietness, avoiding everything that could in any way impede or restrict the operation of her spirit. God will
see to the rest. You must, indeed, demand of her absolute obedience and detachment, but when it is clear
that she has done her duty, it is better to leave her to the guidance of the Spirit of God.'
In another letter he wrote :
‘God has confided this soul to you and not to others. Do not think of having recourse to doctors, for, though
you think that by doing so you will please Jesus, the consequences, as I am able to see them by the light
which God gives me, will be most harmful to the spirit of Gemma and to your Excellency. God is working
miracles to keep these things hidden. In the midst of a numerous family, these marvels are occurring
unnoticed, and shall we broadcast them? . . . Besides, why make these things known? That which is taking
place in Gemma, is going on unknown to outsiders; why not leave them hidden as they are? But you say you
are doubtful. Can it be possible that you are still doubtful? If so, then go and see with your own eyes. The
best way to come to a decision about Gemma is to observe her interior spiritual life. I am not putting the
external facts aside, but what will strike everyone is her simplicity, her profound humility, her detachment, her
union with God and her trust in Him, her evenness of temperament, her desire of suffering, her forgetfulness
of self and her childlike candor in the midst of such extraordinary things.'
'My dear Monsignor, Gemma at present requires just a little direction. Too much preoccupation about, too
much worry over her, is out of place. What is wanted is calm, tranquil direction. . . . I believe this is the
principle that should guide us: Gemma should be hidden from Gemma, the direction of her spirit should be
simple, without any coercion, in such a way that she may never perceive that anyone in the world is
interested in her or her gifts.'
It was with the same assurance that he wrote to Gemma's adopted mother:
‘With regard to this dear soul, be easy in your mind; it is now proved that what is happening is the work of
God, and He will complete this work in spite of ignorance and all the passions of men and all the rage of the
demons. On our part we ought to be patient in bearing contradictions, and prudent in avoiding them when
that is possible. In the meantime you can rejoice that God has chosen you to be the guardian of a soul so
dear to Him. He will reward you generously.'
Thus this man fulfilled his mission-this man who had been chosen by God to help Gemma along the road to
perfection; and we say mission advisedly, because it was such indeed. Gemma herself made this clear in a
letter she wrote to Father Germanus in May, 1901.
‘I hasten to give you a message from Jesus. As far as I can see, it is very important, and I hope that you will
take it to heart. They are certain words that I cannot understand at all. Nay, even this morning when I asked
Jesus to explain them a little to me, He answered: " Let it be your sole care to communicate this message as
soon as possible. Do not enquire further." These are the words: "Tell the Father that it is now quite some time
since I placed an important work in his hands, in order that he may do his best to bring the work to
completion. What this important task, this great work is, he already knows, and he should devote himself
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