The Autobiography of Saint Gemma Galgani

by Gemma Galgani, William Browning (Translator)

" . . but my greatest affliction was not being able to love Jesus as I wished. I tried eagerly not to offend Him, but my bad inclination to evil was so strong that without a special grace from God I would have fallen into hell. Not knowing how to love Jesus caused me much concern, but He, in His infinite good-ness, was never ashamed to humiliate me in order that He might become my Master.
One evening when I was at prayer, He came to bring peace to my soul. I felt myself entirely recollected and I found myself for a second time before Jesus Crucified. He said to me "Look Daughter, and learn how to love" and He showed me His five open wounds. "Do you see this cross, these thorns, these nails, these bruises, these tears, these wounds, this blood? They are all works of love; of infinite love. Do you see how much I have loved you? Do you really want to love Me? Then first learn how to suffer. It is by suffering that one learns how to love.

Genres: Catholic, Biography, Religion, Spirituality, Autobiography

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1901

About the author

Maria Gemma Umberta Pia Galgani was an Italian mystic, venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church since 1940. She has been called the "Daughter of Passion" because of her profound imitation of the Passion of Christ.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard core saint! Amazing the way she considered herself so "bad" so often which, as stated in the footnotes, is because she had so much enlightenment of God. Her writings are spiritually refreshing and powerful. A deep mystic Catholic incredibly close to Jesus. Easy to read unlike some of the writings from other popular saints.

[MK]

It says autobiography, but it's so too brief to be called that, and also too vague. I was hoping for the opposite.

Also, I personally could not relate to her which made it difficult to finish this short read. (I haven't finished it yet, but I am not sure I will). (She was calling herself a "bad" kid and then proceeded to explain how her and her brother played make-belief Mass. I don't know about anyone else, but if I hear someone saying they were 'bad kid' it usually means something different.) But anyway.

I don't of course dissuade anyone giving the book a go, it has helped many folks grow in their spiritual life... just, not my own cup of tea.

[Pamela Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography is so simple. The preface talks about the book's burning and exorcism. I actually googled to look at the pictures of the book. I love how Gemma talks so much about pride. Her life and the deaths of several family members are written without any hate.
Its an inspirational book and is quite similar to many other mystics. Short read...

[erenmeii · Rating 4 out of 5]

My frustration with Saints is they always mention how bad they are but the details is lacking lol I understand though, that when you know more about God, you realize how bad sin is even how small it is. I love reading diaries and to know what Saints' think. I want to know how they love God, it helps me. Thank you St. Gemma, pray for me.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, a sweet Italian saint

[Stacy Jens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick & Inspiring

Blessed to have found this book. Read it in two days.

I love you, St. Genna! Please pray for me, a sinner.

[Cheryce Noblet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful woman who tried to love God and Jesus above all things. Her deep love and guidance saved her

[Susannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I should probably stop reading autobiographies from saints as they typically spend half the book repeating what unworthy sinners they are. This is my first book about st Gemma and I think I’m going to look for her biography written by someone else so that I can learn more about her life events, graces and prayer life. I think she might have been the one attributed with quote of not fearing even if at the edge of hell because of confidence in God but it wasn’t mentioned here. I do love how human she is and that even after receiving the grace of stigmata she continued to sun like the rest of us. :)

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written with clear thought process. I think people can relate to want to do and be good and continually falling back on bad habits.

Definitely as a young woman, a work in progress.

Equally impressive and important to remember - suffering should not be a burden but an alignment with Christ. Gemma suffered on many levels.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little gem of a booklet about St. Gemma Galgani, a saint I had never heard of until my dear cousin Tevis said to pray to St. Gemma for her daughter Anna's scoliosis of the spine. Turns out she is the patron saint of back pain!!
Many of us may also need her intercession :)

[AnaMaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Captured my interest in the first pages and I didn’t set the book down until I finished it.