Holy Women's History Month: Saint Gemma Galgani

Saint Gemma Galgani was an Italian mystic born in 1878; she suffered greatly, having lost her parents at a young age and contracting meningitis that affected her hearing and spine. Saint Gemma’s profound spirituality and deep devotion to Christ were strengthened by extraordinary mystical experiences, including visions of Jesus and her guardian angel. My family became aware of this extraordinary holy woman of faith when searching for a saint to seek intercession for my daughter’s advanced scoliosis. After receiving a miraculous intercession, I dove deeper into Gemma’s life and faith, adding her permanently to my personal #SaintPosse.
 

Prefer to Listen—Audio version available!

Woman of Contemplation 

Saint Gemma Galgani's contemplative spirit allowed her to experience mystical encounters and receive the stigmata, which she viewed as a sign of her deep love for Christ and her desire to participate in His suffering.  

Saint Gemma taught me the necessity of contemplation in my own prayer life, inspiring me to pray daily. What I now refer to as my morning “Coffee with Christ” changed my life. The time I spend in the word of God and the quiet, especially in Adoration, helps me see God as a friend and a tangible part of my everyday life. Not distant or far away, but always near. It can be so easy to forget to tend to our spiritual life. Like the sower in Jesus’ parable, I can let worries of life choke even the most splendid flowering of hope in my life. Contemplating the things of God is just the water and sunlight my spiritual life needs. 

Saint Gemma never lost sight of the Lord, even in her darkest moments of being orphaned or suffering so greatly with meningitis, which damaged her hearing and curved her spine. She spent most of her life bedridden and debilitated by illness, yet she never lost her faith; instead, using these moments to grow it. 

Gracious in Suffering 

Saint Gemma's ability to endure pain with joy and a sense of purpose is a testament to her faith and trust in God's plan. Instead of seeing these trials as punishment, she channeled the pain into offering it for the good of others, especially for the conversion of sinners. As somebody who deals with chronic conditions, I found that her example of focusing my difficult days on praying for others profoundly influenced my response to suffering.


It is incredible how this attitude adjustment can lighten one's burdens when you realize the good of offering up your challenges for others. I've been blessed to see the Lord at work in alleviating the burden of illness in my own life and, more importantly, seeing the fruit of this holy mindset in the lives of others. 

Heavenly Guidance and Protection 

Saint Gemma believed that her guardian angel provided constant guidance and protection, often leading her in prayer and helping her discern God's will. This reinforced her belief in the spiritual world and the active role angels play in the lives of the faithful. 

Saint Gemma was indeed the perfect saint for my daughter; not only were they both orphaned, dealt with hearing loss (my daughter is profoundly deaf), and had a spine curvature, I learned by accident they had another thing in common. One day, I watched my daughter signing into the air. I assumed she was talking to an imaginary friend, so I questioned her. She looked at me with a raised eyebrow and a confused look and signed, "I'm talking to my guardian angel. Who do you think I would be talking to?" Of course, how could I be so silly? 

When I learned later that Saint Gemma also had this very real relationship with her guardian angel, it changed my idea about the importance of building my relationship with my heavenly assistant. Our guardian angels are not just to make sure I don't stub my toe but to light, guide, rule, and guard, as the prayer from my childhood taught me. In the same way, Gemma’s angel reinforced her belief in the heavenly realm; I drew comfort in her bravery to share this special mystical friendship. Saints like Gemma Galgani remind me I'm never alone, with heaven as my constant companion. 

I am grateful for holy women like Gemma, who embraced their faith amid monumental challenges, recognizing God as the greatest source of comfort and hope. I am blessed beyond measure that this beautiful young saint was introduced to me, and I am grateful for this opportunity to introduce her to you.  

During Women's History Month, Catholic Mom writers are celebrating the women who have inspired their faith journeys — whether canonized saints, saints in progress, or beloved women from Scripture. Through personal reflections and heartfelt stories, they share how these holy women have touched their lives, offering wisdom, strength, and a deeper connection to God. Join us as we honor the spiritual legacy of these remarkable women and the lasting impact they continue to have on our hearts and souls. 

Copyright 2025 Allison Gingras
Images: Holy Cross Family Ministries