Stigmata, what exactly are they?

Stigmata are the wounds Christ suffered at the crucifixion, from the nails that pinned him to the cross, the crown of thorns and the spear in his side. For nearly 800 years the Catholic Church has documented cases of people developing some or all of the stigmata.

The first person recorded to have stigmata was Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224. Since then about 500 people have developed the wounds of Christ. Cases have been recorded all over the world from South America to Europe (even England), many of these stigmatics have become saints.

Strangely when it was believed that Christ was nailed to the cross through his palms stigmatics developed wounds accordingly. As experts have recently proven he would have been nailed through his wrists stigmatics are now starting to bleed from their wrists.

Some stigmatics don’t bleed or have any wounds but they experience the pain of the crucifixion – imaginatively they are called invisible stigmata. Some have the mark of the spear on their side and others scratches on their heads as if from the crown of thorns.

A present day stigmatic living in Argentina suffers only on Good Friday, she claims her left foot is transfixed to her right foot – just like Christ’s on the cross, and doctors are unable to separate them.

Most stigmatics only suffer their wounds at certain times, usually around Easter, the anniversary of Christ’s death. For instance Padre Pio an Italian Monk who died in 1968 and recently sainted, claimed his injuries became worse during religious ceremonies.

The youngest living stigmatic, 29 year old Argentinian Emiliano Aden bleeds from his forehead and wrists when he prays. People queue for his blessing in his home town of Buenos Aires.

Some stigmatics have been proven to be frauds, inflicting the injuries of the stigmata on themselves. Maria de la Visitacion the Holy Nun of Lisbon was discovered painting wounds on her hands in 1587– caught red handed! As recently as 1984 supposed stigmatic Gigliola Giorgini was convicted of fraud. The Vatican is very cautious about stigmata claims and sends its own doctor to investigate, yet there are cases where experts cannot prove any fraud.

Medics believe wounds can form spontaneously. The power of the subconscious mind is involved. Stigmatics are usually very religious people and their compassion for Christ is so strong they develop his wounds in sympathy, some experts say.
Most stigmatics are from poor Catholic communities where belief in miracles is strong. Most stigmatics see their stigmata as a blessing from God.

Many stigmatics report experiencing visions before their wounds appear, so there is a warning in case you were wondering.