St. Gemma Galgani Medal and Necklace

Sterling Silver St. Gemma Galgani Medal and Necklace

14KT Gold Filled St. Gemma Galgani Medal and Necklace

14KT Gold St Gemma Galgani Medal

ST. GEMMA GALGANI

Who is the Patron Saint of students?

Saint Gemma Galgani, who is a more modern saint, was one of those people whom God, from time to time, chooses to appoint as special witnesses of the Sacred Passion of Christ, by reproducing His sufferings in them. Gemma was born on March 12, 1878, in a small Tuscanvillage near Lucca, Italy. Her father was a chemist and an extremely good man; her mother was a most holy woman. Saint Gemma Galgani’s mother was the reason for her early devotion to Our Lord’s Passion. The Galgani’s had eight children, of whom Gemma was the fourth. The Galgani children received tender care and love from their mother.

A great sacrifice

Gemma received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the age of seven. As she followed the Mass devoutly, she seemed to hear a voice within her ask: “Will you give Me your mother?” She answered, “Yes; but take me with her!”. She heard the voice answer “No!” “Give me your mother willingly. You must stay with your father. I shall take her to Heaven!” Gemma felt constrained, but she answered “Yes”, thereby making her first great sacrifice to God.

Growing in faith

When she was told of her loss, the extraordinary way in which she realized it to be the Will of God, proved the realization of a hero-inspired offering at the time of her Confirmation. The Christmas after her mother’s death, Gemma’s father sent her to the school of the Sisters of St. Zita. While she was there, at the age of nine, St. Gemma Galgan made her First Communion. She was unable to express what passed in that moment between her soul and Our Lord. Her promise to “always be good” was consistently carried out.

Disease and pain

In 1894, at age sixteen, Gemma left St. Zita’s and went home to her father. She grew daily in the longing desire to suffer with her crucified Savior. This desire was soon gratified, for in 1896 a most severe physical suffering was sent to St. Gemma – a diseased bone in the foot, which required removal. Gemma refused an anaesthetic and bore the torture with heroic patience as she kept her eyes fixed on the crucifix.

Further suffering

Soon after her recovery from this severe operation, other troubles began for Gemma and her family. St. Gemma’s father developed throat cancer and he died in 1897, leaving his children penniless. Soon after, St. Gemma experienced an attack of pains in her back. In addition, the devil sometimes attacked her, and even struck her at times, though she always sought the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her heavenly Mother. After a long, suffering illness, Gemma made a vow of chastity, and in February, 1899, joined in a novena to St. Margaret Mary. St. Gabriel appeared to her and promised to make the novena with her each night, praying with her. In her pain, she went to confession and received Holy Communion. The next day, she rose from her bed miraculously cured.

Conversations with the Lord

When Gemma received Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, He said to her: “My child, many and yet higher graces will follow the one I have granted you this morning. I will be to you as a father, and she shall be your mother (and He pointed to a statue of Our Lady of Sorrowsgreatly loved by Gemma)”. From that moment on, all suffering felt minimal to St. Gemma. Shortly after her recovery from this illness, she attempted to become a Nun, as she had promised to do while sick. But her health proved not strong enough.

Deeply rooted faith

During deep prayer on Holy Thursday night, 1899, she was overwhelmed with sorrow for her sins and had a vision of Our Lord on the Cross. It was never erased from her mind. One day after she had received Holy Communion, the Lord said to her, “Gemma, I expect you on Calvary, onthat Mount towards which you have been led”. On the eve of the Feast of the Sacred Heart, in 1899, Gemma received the sacred Stigmata, or marks of Our Lord’s five Wounds, which caused her intense suffering.

Rising to Heaven

Gemma continued to have many trials and sufferings; also ecstasies. The fame of her sanctity soon spread abroad, and many favors were received through her prayers. She died on Holy Saturday, 1903, and was canonized by Pope Pius XIIon the Feast of the Ascension, in 1940.

Saint Gemma Galgani Necklace

Share this St. Gemma Galani medal pendant with a loved one who is suffering great pain, that Saint Gemma may intercede for their prayers and your loved one may find comfort and healing.

St. Gemma Galgani Rosary
UPC: 617759397680
Brand: Bliss