The Stigmatists: Their Gifts, Their Revelations, Their Warnings

by Paul Kengor

There have been very few books that offer a serious, reliable, thoughtful look at stigmatists, and specifically, what I call visionary stigmatists. Interestingly, almost all Church-approved stigmatists have been just visionaries as well as stigmatists. This book focuses on Church-approved stigmatists and their visions, revelations, and prophecies and warnings. In some cases, the prophecies and warnings relate to the End Times and Second Coming of Christ. That includes the striking revelations of the likes of Saint Faustina (1905-38), the first canonized saint of the new millennium. One might rightly interpret the mark of the stigmata (sometimes invisible stigmata, as in the cases of Saints Faustina and Catherine of Siena) as a heavenly/Church affirmation of these saints’ authenticity, likewise adding a certain authenticity to their claimed visions.

It is interesting that many people, including Protestants and even non-Christians, are intrigued by stigmata. It seems that nearly everyone finds claims of stigmata fascinating; there doesn’t seem to be a lot of scoffers. Anytime the notion of stigmata is raised, including by Hollywood (albeit sensationally), eyes are wide open.

This book opens with a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon of stigmata, beginning with the words of St. Paul that some believe might be the first recorded case of stigmata. Aside from St. Paul, Saint Francis (1182-1226) is believed to be the first stigmatist. The opening chapter looks at the data and cases that we know of. Thereafter, the book provides individual chapters focused on figures from Catherine of Siena to Anne Catherine Emmerich, Gemma Galgani, Padre Pio, and more, finishing with Saint Faustina.

Notably, not all of these stigmatic saints had visions of the Final Days. They need not to have changed history. Some of the special visions were along the lines of St. Francis’s transformational conversations with Jesus at the San Damiano cross, which nonetheless had a significant larger “Francesco,” said Jesus, “ripara la mia Chiesa.” (“Francis, repair my Church.”)

Francis did just that. That was a historic moment for the Church and the faith. Unlike the likes of Martin Luther, Francis endeavored upon a genuine reformation.

These stigmatists and their revelations have spoken to us in profound ways from the time of Christ to the Middle Ages to literally the end times. Truly, there is no more crucial time than now to take a prayerful look at what they’ve told us.

Genres: Religion, History

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2024

About the author

Paul G. Kengor is an author and professor of political science at Grove City College and the senior director of the Institute for Faith and Freedom, a Grove City College think tank. He is a visiting fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace. Kengor has focused much of his work on Ronald Reagan, faith and the presidency, conservative politics, the Cold War, Communism, and Catholicism.

Reviews

[G. Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and inspiring book about the lives of those who have received that mysterious phenomena known as the stigmata, or "marks" of Christ. Kengor devotes a chapter each to seven of the Church's most well known and documented stigmatists, examining eyewitness testimony, written documents and diaries that substantiate these claims. While most members in the Church -- and even many people without -- are generally aware of what the stigmata wounds are (marks of Christ's Passion appearing on the hands, feet, side, shoulder, and head), Kengor expands on this limited definition and reveals that nearly all stigmatists live similar, extraordinary lives filled with saintly devotion, physical suffering, mystical messages, and prophetic visions. Kengor explores the connections between the stigmatists throughout the history of the Church and contemplates what their messages may tells us about the future. I appreciated Kengor's caution when examining claims that lacked convincing evidence, as well as his exhortations to take seriously those which have been approved by the Church. Though this book will obviously appeal most to Catholics, this books would easily hook anyone with even a slight interest in the subject. Another great book by TAN.

[Rebecca Tabish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most inspiring reads I've read this year! The author Paul Kengor seems very passionate about the stigmata and is very knowledgeable about the saints who bore it. This was a very interesting and insightful book! I definitely encourage catholics to pick it up and read it for themselves!

[Natacha Pavlov · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this read given the fascinating subject that I believe can be a genuine phenomenon. It offers a short overview of seven Vatican-approved stigmatists, with Anne Catherine Emmerich and Padre Pio being the two I was most familiar with. (In the early 80s, the spiritual son of Padre Pio, Dr. Luigi Gaspari, was visiting Brussels and dropped by my parents' spiritual bookstore and gifted them a copy of his 'Book (or Diary) of Love.')

As this title is not meant to be exhaustive, it can spark further interest in these selected 7 and other lesser-known stigmatists. However, it also has its issues, like the habit of repeating nearly verbatim what a stigmatist stated in their own words.
Most unexpected—but perhaps somewhat predictable—is the air of denigration towards 'violent' Russia. (Likewise, the reference to 'good men like Pope St. John Paul II' at least merits pause in the heartbreaking case of the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi, on which the family has yet to have closure.)
Aside from (conveniently) not being sure if some potential 'prophecies' already have or will occur, it's usually a good idea to present the case of all involved parties, rather than childishly painting one as 'bad' and the other as 'good.' This is unfortunate, as I would've expected a more nuanced, mature approach rather than petty and contradicting finger-pointing—especially when Russia is doing its part in unapologetically defending traditional Christian values.

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book from Dr. Paul Kengor. Well researched, this easy-to-digest read offers much to ponder when "meeting" people (past and present) who bore/bear the stigmata -- the wounds of Christ. Inspiring and uplifting!

[Robert Nugent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book well researched

Excellent book and well researched, I found the book a good resource on the topic of the stigmata. The last chapter is definitely interesting

[Casan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was very cool and very well-researched. Tons of detail on saints who received the stigmata.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve found myself becoming more interested in the stigmata, especially after learning about Padre Pio’s. My friends at @tan_books were kind enough to send me the audio of this book and I learned so much.

The following saints are discussed in the book and while I knew about a few of them, one in particular was especially interesting to me, Saint Gemma Galgani.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Catherine of Siena
Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
Saint Gemma Galgani
Blessed Elena Aiello
Saint Faustina Kowalska

It was so interesting to hear how the stigmata presented and details about these Saints’ lives, even ones I knew about. St. Gemma has become especially interesting to me lately. As we Catholics tend to say, Saints will find you and she has found me.

The faith of each person mentioned in this book is inspiring and encouraging. I personally took so much from it and appreciate the examples of each person the author chose. I also enjoyed the history of events during each person’s lifetime and the prophecy included that has proven true. WOW!

The audiobook is well done. During a time when reading can be hard for me to focus on I appreciated having an audiobook that not only kept me engaged but helped me learn about some wonderful people and a fascinating topic.

Thank you to @tan_books and @catholicaggie for the audiobook! All views are my honest opinion.

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