The Life of St. Gemma Galgani

by Germanus Ruoppolo, A.M. O'Sullivan (Translator)

St. Gemma Galgani (1878-1903) was a mystic, stigmatist, visionary, ecstatic, victim soul, discerner of spirits, seer of hidden things, prophetess, spouse of Christ, zealot for souls and devotee of the Poor Souls in Purgatory. She died at only 25. Her mother was also saintly, and it is beautiful to see how she helped cultivate this lily of purity. See how Gemma made great sacrifices painful to human nature from her tenderest years. Inspiring and edifying! Impr. 382 pgs, PB

Genres: Biography, Catholic, Faith, Religion, Spirituality, Christian, Christianity

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

The Venerable Father Germanus Ruoppolo, C.P., was a Passionist priest and author of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Born in 1850 at Naples, he was noted for his service as St. Gemma Galgani's spiritual director, a practice which he began in 1900. He was also a highly-esteemed theologian, practicing great piety, and authored many works on such subjects as philosophy, theology and mathematics. After St. Galgani's death, he took it upon himself to compose The Life of St. Gemma Galgani, which was published in 1914 with the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. Father Germanus died on the eleventh of December, 1909.

Reviews

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating biographies I have ever read.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but I didn't seem to take to it as much as I expected. It seemed it could have been condensed. I struggled with trying to understand what I will call her "scruples." She never willfully committed ANY sin yet she thought herself to be the worst sinner. Was this because she saw how offensive her faults were to God? Because of her humility? Why did her directors seek to further her humility still more? Those were some of the questions going through my mind as I read the book- most especially the middle portion. I most enjoyed the beginning (early biography and description of the stigmata) and end of the book (love of the Blessed Sacrament, zeal for the salvation of souls, and death). Some quotes:

"In this way God is wont to chequer the lives of His Elect between roses and thorns. There is no consolation coming from Him whose sweetness is not soon followed by the bitterness of some cross. Blessed are they who, like Gemma, know how to accept both consolations and crosses- roses and thorns- with equal resignation and courage!"

"I greatly rejoice that time flies so quickly, because that means so much less to spend in this world, where there is nothing to attract me. My heart goes in search of a treasure, an immense treasure that I do not find in creatures, a treasure that will satisfy me and console me and give me rest."

Jesus to Gemma: "But not withstanding all that [the countless graces He dispenses], what do I ever gain? What correspondence do I ever find in my creatures whom I have loved so much? No one any longer cares for My Heart and for My Love. I am forgotten as though I had never loved them, and as though I had never suffered for them. My Heart is always in sadness. I am left almost alone in my churches. If many assemble there, it is for other motives than worship, and I have to suffer the pain of seeing My House become a theatre of amusement. Many, through hypocrisy, betray Me by sacrilegious Communions. I can bear no more." (increasing her zeal for souls).

[Kruiser · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually didn't finish reading this but I wanted to write a review. This book was recommended to me during a recent faith struggle, which was thankfully brief. I have been reading a lot of faith-oriented material and I am aware that much of it can be helpful if not always scintillating. This book, however, wore me down with its repetitive narrative. St. Gemma's story seems interesting enough, but it's a simple one and probably could have been told in a much shorter book. When I learned that her spiritual director wrote this, I was intrigued because I thought I'd get some real insight about her spiritual journey. Praise for her piety was to be expected, but after about a hundred pages of that, with little real biographical being offered, I was worn out. My reading list for this year is a bit too ambitious to stick with books that I am not enjoying. I am, however, glad that I was made aware of this saint.

[Ivana Priego]

“Speaking to him more with my heart than with my tongue”

“The precious ornaments that adorn the spouse of a Crucified King cannot be other than the thorns and the Cross”

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amount she suffered was so much worse than she portrayed. It’s a good reminder in my life that suffer brings us closer to Jesus. I loved reading her story. It’s so much to take in.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book and this Saint utterly perplexing. I have waited to write this brief review in hopes that I will have somehow clarified my thoughts about this book. Lives of the saints are a Christian game changer entirely different from what we normally hear about what it means to live a Christian life. This book and this life explains suffering with joy and, in fact, the desire to suffer for Christ-completely on purpose, not just a reaction to circumstance. This book also reveals a Christ we seldom hear about...that
is, a displeased and hurt Christ. We don't like to think about that Christ these days because it doesn't fit into our lives as neatly as modern Christ does. I have to say I am deeply moved by this book and the mystery weaved within it. The lives of saints are truly a blessing to those of us who would pick up the cross and follow Him because we are convinced that any other path is unthinkable. There it is again, profound paradox with even profounder implications.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this biography is a bit long-winded and somewhat disorganized, it is an important primary document, as its author, Fr. Germanus, was St. Gemma's spiritual director. The story of St. Gemma is inspiring and edifying. Her humility and meekness were such that, in spite of never attaining her goal of becoming a religious nun, she never resented those who obstructed her way. She saw God's will in all of her trials and reached the heights of spirituality. I especially enjoyed the many quotations from Gemma's writings or recorded conversations all at the express command of her spiritual directors, not from any sense of self promotion or egoism. I only wish there were more of these writings. Her simplicity of thought and intimate friendship with Jesus, Mary, and her guardian angel give us a good example of what will be in store for us someday, we hope.

[Glen Dallaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography is the "bible" on St Gemma Galgani, written by her spiritual director, Venerable Padre Germanus Ruoppolo C.P.

I have often used this book for source information on the St Gemma Galgani website, in articles such as The Personality of St Gemma and also
The Spirituality of St Gemma

It is an excellent book that will leave you captivated and inspired by the holy life of St Gemma.
Glenn Dallaire

[Elizabeth Hermesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book may have suffered some in the translation from the original Italian, as the reading can become difficult at times. However, the reader will be infinitely rewarded if he or she is able to persevere through these parts and learn the ways of St. Gemma, a true gem of Christ!

As one reader put it, "What a fragrant air of Paradise one reads while reading this precious Life of Gemma in the midst of the deadly atmosphere of this perverse world!"

[Barbara Bricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about St. Gemma, but this biography (by her confessor/spiritual director) was so repetitive it felt like. I found myself trudging through and skipping pages just to finish. I do appreciate his unique “first-hand” perspective, but I would have been content with a more concise telling.

[Gil Michelini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the biography I read during the adoption of my daughter who we named in honor of Saint Gemma. It is a direct translation from Italian and can get a little hard to read but well worth the effort.

[Emily]

quite hyperbolic and biased. still an interesting read.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unbelievable and inspiring story.

[Jenn Majewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story on a tremendous life. Difficult read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first began reading this book, I genuinely questioned whether I would gain anything from it. Gemma was a young, Italian virgin and mystic; she was unmarried and had no children. Meanwhile, I am a middle-aged wife and mother and definitely not a mystic. Additionally, she was blessed with a very intimate union with Jesus, and exceptional graces were abundantly bestowed upon her soul. Her confessor who knew her intimately declared that she never committed a deliberate venial sin in her life. What could we possibly have in common? It appears that, for souls destined to die young, God perfects them very quickly. Due to her rapid advancement in perfection and close union with God, I believed she would be "unrelatable." Yet, Gemma captured my heart, and I now dare to call her my friend.


What I knew before reading this book was that Gemma had the stigmata, could see and talk to her guardian angel, and underwent a terrible illness from which she was healed, crediting her healing to the intercession of St. Gabriel of Sorrows. That was all. However, this biography taught me much more about her life and her very real humanity. Although she was bestowed with extraordinary supernatural gifts from God that most don't have, there remains something relatable and inspiring.

I appreciated getting a glimpse into her daily life and routine, which was not particularly remarkable. She slept little and rose in the morning without delay. She spent five minutes or less on her daily hygiene, then went to Mass with her "aunt." Back home, she would help all the little girls of the household get dressed for the day. She always had something for her hands to do, usually knitting. She carried her knitting basket around the house so that her hands could always be occupied with something useful. She did not like to knit anything impractical, preferring to knit useful things. She always took part in whatever servile work needed to be done, and no task was beneath her: cooking, cleaning, etc. I appreciated getting to know Gemma on this more 'normal' level.

But of course, the majority of the biography is replete with her supernatural and mystical experiences. Having just finished reading "Interior Castle" by St. Teresa of Avila prior to this biography, I found it to be an extremely helpful prelude. Everything Gemma experiences—both the good (raptures, ecstasies, and consolations) and the "bad" (suffering, stigmata, aridity, desolation)—is elucidated in the "Interior Castle." As a soul progresses toward union with God and is transformed by His love, St. Teresa describes each stage as a "room" in a mansion, detailing the characteristics of each stage. While reading Gemma's biography, I could trace her progress through these mansions and discern which mansion she was in based on her experiences. It was fascinating to see St. Teresa's mansions applied literally to a soul, and I often annotated the margins with notes such as "5th mansion," "6th mansion," etc.

It was also very interesting to learn more details about the vague things that I knew. In fact, she didn't attribute her healing only to St. Gabriel, but also in large part to St. Margaret Mary—so much so that she wanted to honor the saint by becoming a Visitation nun (it didn't work out). Gemma tried with all her heart to enter a religious convent her whole life, yet she was denied always and everywhere. She not only had the stigmata, but she entered into the suffering of Jesus' passion in a very intimate way. Gemma was a victim soul with a mission: her life's purpose was to labor for the good of souls and especially for the conversion of sinners, thereby cooperating in the work of Redemption. Jesus moved her to offer her whole life in expiation for the sins of the world, to spend her whole being for the conversion of sinners. Obviously, this entailed a tremendous amount of suffering, and the details of her death are incredible. Reading it, one is reminded very much of the stories of the greatest saints who lived so long ago—we feel so out of touch with them because they are so far removed from us in time and reached such high levels of holiness—and yet here is Gemma, a "modern saint" of our day who did just that.

However, the biography is not flawless. To be candid, I found it somewhat tedious. Maybe it's a poor translation from the original Italian. Not every chapter was enjoyable to read; some sections simply had to be endured.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

INTIMATIONS OF IMMORTALITY

All saints are extraordinary in their own way. St. Gemma Galgani was extraordinarily extraordinary. This book takes us from the beginning of Gemma’s earliest call to a life of devotion to Jesus to her final agonies. According to her biographer and spiritual director, Fr. Germanus Ruoppolo, of the Passionist order, she began receiving visions at 20, engaging in conversations with her guardian angel, the Blessed Mother, and Jesus Himself. She also had visions of St. Gabriel Possenti, another Passionist. A year later, Gemma bore the stigmata. From then on until the end of her short life – she died at 25 – she literally suffered the wounds of Christ three days a week.

Now for the fun part.

Gemma threw herself into the work of converting souls, taking on the most difficult cases. During one colloquy with Jesus, she tried to persuade our Lord to save a notorious sinner entrusted to her charge. Jesus was disposed to treat him as the Just Judge. Gemma importuned, “I am not seeking Thy Justice, I am imploring Thy Mercy. Jesus laid down his reasons for remaining firm. “She let her hands fall and heaved a deep sigh.”

Nothing daunted, Gemma pulled her ace out of her sleeve: “But look, I present Thee another advocate for my sinner; it is Thine own Mother who asks Thee to forgive him. Oh, imagine saying no to Thy Mother! And now answer me, Jesus, say that Thou hast saved my sinner.”

I can almost hear our little lawyer snap her fingers like she almost forgot an important detail: "Imagine saying no to your mother!" If this doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, you have the soul of a stone.

Fr. Germanus, who witnessed this scene (he could only see and hear Gemma), withdrew to his room. Half an hour later, a strange man arrived who threw himself at the priest’s feet, pleading, "Father, hear my Confession!”

The book also provides a detailed explanation of degrees of contemplation, and the differences between meditative and contemplative prayer. To be honest, about one-third of this book could have been omitted without sacrificing the essentials. But who am I to criticize? No less than Pope Pius XI loved the book. Then he beatified Gemma.

[Jairo Fraga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biografia muito marcante, escrita por seu diretor espiritual, em que se é possível vermos a profundidade do abrasamento do amor por Deus. Muitos pontos de interesse sobre a vida ascética, sobre as mortificações e constantes orações de uma santa pela conversão de todos de seu convívio. Bom notar também as lições sempre recorrentes de obediência, ainda que pareça ser algo que a santa estivesse obedecendo algo estranho, como não querer mais ver Jesus, mas ela obedientemente seguiu, e Jesus a recompensou por isso.

Tempo estimado de leitura: 9h

[Br. John Mary Lauderdale OFM Cap · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally written biography of the holy mystic St. Gemma Galgani, a virgin victim soul who willingly gives her life in sacrifice in atonement for the sins of the world. This is an intense book, but it is intense because St. Gemma Galgani is a radical saint. She gives herself completely to her beloved to the end, as Christ gives himself to the Father on the cross.

[FR ADRIAN G HEAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a help to those who want to be different!

What a revitalising and reinvigorating story! It is not a life that we can imitate closely but it encourages us to imbibe St Gemma’s spirit. Her life impacted a multitude.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good but not great book. The author doesn't hide his attachment to Saint Gemma; his love, respect and honor for her is evident throughout. While Saint Gemma's life and experiences are fascinating and inspiring, the book doesn't really pull you in.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book on a whim just because the cover photo intrigued me. This wasn’t an ordinary read, this was one of the most immersive and awe inspiring experiences for me. Everyone should do themselves a favor and get to know Gemma by reading this biography.

[apolena]

„Uplynulo několik dní a Gemmě se zdálo, že viděla, jak dábel vyletěl oknem světnice, kde knížka byla uložena, maje ji v ruce a potupně se usmívaje. Protože byla na podobná zjevení zvyklá, nevěnovala tomu zvláštní pozornosti.“

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time with such piously written books, especially mystics. Probably best just to pray to her instead. Wasn't expecting so much blood.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifechanging. I knew nothing about St. Gemma and now she's one of the coolest saints.

[Kinga Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bardzo piękna, głęboka zapadająca w pamięć lektura ☺️

[Ardilla Pequeña · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest Saints, and closer to our times. St. Gemma Galgani, ora pro nobis.

[Nativist Crusader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful life of a very holy Saint who is much needed in our times of immorality and lack of faith!

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the hardest book you will ever read.

I still feel crushed every time I read this biography. St. Gemma's life was as blessed as it was tragic, since she reached the peak of the supernatural life, but never managed to become formally a religious. After following her for so long, I understand it is part of the mystery of her life. In a sense, for her to become the Passionist par excellence, she could not become one in life, except in spirit. It is heartbreaking, but at least we know she got everything she wished for from God until the very end.

I would go as far as to say that she had, in fact, a religious vocation, but God, knowing better than us, did not need a monastery to make her one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church. That also means that we who live in the world have no excuses whatsoever.

It's a silly story, but back in 2020, I heard that St. Thomas Aquinas had a particular devotion to St. Agnes, and that St. John Vianney had a warm devotion to St. Philomena, and so I realized (for some reason) that I, too, should look for a spiritual sister of sorts and see what would come from it. As St. Thérese was in vogue and St. Theresa of Avila was more of a mother, I chose St. Gemma, as I already had her biography in a tight Portuguese edition. So, for the last six years or so, I have been religiously reading her life and trying to pray for her to see if I would become a better Christian. But now, reading it again, I feel like starting again from ground zero. Maybe I was too greedy, but she has been patient with me.

Here is a quote I never forgot from her: "If one who aspires much falls so many times, what will become of one who barely does it?"

[Cole Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Gemma taught that suffering is a part of human life that doesn't need to be avoided but used as a way to deepen our connection to the Divine. Suffering for the benefit of others and/or positive change in your own life is a good thing that aligns one's self toward the ultimate good, i.e. the almighty God, and, furthermore, God does not abandon anybody in their suffering.

The current culture teaches something different: that suffering is to be avoided at all costs, and life is all about maximum pleasure seeking rather than ordering one's self toward God. This culture results in a collapsing in on oneself leading to an aimless floundering through life.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books on saints are hard to review in the sense that they aren’t written to entertain but to inspire. With that said, I was truly inspired by the depth of holiness of this young saint and her ardent love for God. As a book review, I’d say the book was easy to read, well laid out and kept my interest. Thinking of St Gemma, my biggest take away was that if a young girl can love with so much depth, how much infinitely greater must be God’s love for us.