Hey there,
There are plenty of fascinating phenomena in the Catholic Church, but perhaps one of the most extraordinary is the stigmata.
Stigmata refers to experiencing the wounds of Jesus’ Passion, typically involving intense pain and bleeding in the hands, feet, side, and sometimes the head. I’ve also learned that there is such a thing as invisible stigmata, which does not involve any visible bleeding or wounds.
Several Saints have experienced stigmata, with St. Francis of Assisi being the first known recorded case.
In this issue, Genuflect explores Stigmata: what it is, the different types, the criteria the Church uses when investigating cases, St. Francis’ own experience, and some of the other saints who have been stigmatists.
Whether you choose to believe in stigmata is a personal decision. But there’s no denying that it is a fascinating phenomenon … and one worth learning more about.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Stigmata Explained
Stigmata is the appearance of the five wounds of Jesus’ crucifixion on a person’s body. Here’s an overview of what these wounds are like and three Saints who experienced the stigmata.
What is The Stigmata? | Catholic Education
12 Criteria For Stigmata
Though the Catholic Church does not require us to believe in stigmata, it does investigate incidents of stigmata. And at times the Church has recognized stigmata with some individuals as a grace of God. Here are the 12 criteria the Church uses to evaluate the validity of stigmata.
What Are The Stigmata And How do We Know if They Are Authentic? | Aleteia
6 Stigmata Facts
Even if you’re familiar with stigmata, here are 6 facts that you may not know about this phenomenon.
Secrets of The Mysterious Stigmata: 6 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know | ChurchPOP
Problem With Stigmata
Though some Saints experienced stigmata, they were not Canonized because of the stigmata. In fact, Catholics are not required to believe in stigmata. And some find the phenomenon too troubling. Here’s a skeptical look at the Stigmata.
Problem With The Stigmata | Franciscan Media
St. Francis’ Stigmata
St. Francis went to Laverna to pray and fast for 40 days. On September 17, 1224 something extraordinary happened. He received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side. Learn more about this first recorded Stigmata and see the place where it happened.
St. Francis Received The Stigmata at This Pilgrimage Destination | Aleteia
Saints With Stigmata
St. Francis may be the first recorded Stigmatist, but some believe St. Paul the Apostle was referring to stigmata when he said, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). Here’s a look at 7 other Saints who were known stigmatists.
These Saints Bore The Stigmata, The Marks of Jesus | National Catholic Register
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