Powerful “Confession” by St. Gemma Galgani Printed by Sophia Press

St. Gemma Galgani. The Diary of St. Gemma. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $15.95. Ebook $9.99. Available from the publisher.

“There is a school in Heaven, and there one has only to learn how to love. The school is in the Cenacle; the Teacher is Jesus; the matter taught is His Flesh and His Blood.” (St. Gemma)

St. Gemma Galgani (1878-1903), patron saint of temptations, is a powerful intercessor for us in times of suffering and in our fight against sin. When she was only seven years old, St. Gemma’s mother died. Before her passing, she told St. Gemma that soon she would learn from Jesus Himself, who would speak to her from the depths of her heart.

In her thrilling diary and autobiography, readers will learn about St. Gemma’s numerous encounters with Jesus Crucified, Who gave her the stigmata when she was 21 years old. St. Gemma was a lay woman who lived near Lucca, Italy. She yearned to be a Passionist Nun, however her health was too poor. She was mystically espoused to Jesus and lived out the Passionist spirituality.

Within these gripping pages, readers will discover St. Gemma’s immense love for Our Lady and supernatural experiences with her, whom she sometimes called “Mom.” Additionally, St. Gemma experienced mystical encounters with her guardian angel, whom she almost constantly saw, and her patron saint Gabriel Possenti, who miraculously interceded for her.

Through her “ordinary” life, St. Gemma will help readers:

• Reflect on the Passion and unite themselves to Jesus for the salvation of souls
• Learn obedience to defeat the enemy and overcome sinful habits
• Develop a personal relationship with their guardian angels
• Foster devotion to their patron saint
• Who struggle with insomnia and recollection
• With profound insights for their spiritual battles

Also contained in this book is the fascinating story behind her diary. When her spiritual director ordered her to write a general confession in order that her saintly life might be recorded, her guardian angel told her to record the graces which God had bestowed on her as well. Her autobiography was stolen and, after the priest offered exorcism prayers, returned with burn marks on the pages.

Significantly, readers will find out how St. Gemma withstood attacks from the evil one, mistreatment from others, and so much more. St. Gemma’s heroic virtue will inspire readers in trials and help them avoid common pitfalls in the spiritual life.

St. Gemma is also called “Gem of the Eucharist” because of her great love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. She is also known as the patroness of pharmacists because, when she was very sick once, she prayed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was unexplainably healed from her illness.

Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of The Diary of St. Gemma, and/or to schedule an interview.