Top 5 Stigmata Experiences:
Religious Mysticism or Medical Mystery?
1. St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi was the first recorded case of stigmata in the 13th century. While he was praying on a mountain, he received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side. The wounds bled for the remaining two years of his life. This experience is significant because it was the first documented case of stigmata, and it has been an inspiration for many religious devotees throughout the centuries.
2. Padre Pio
Padre Pio, an Italian Catholic priest, is perhaps the most famous case of stigmata in modern times. He bore the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side for 50 years, and he also experienced the “invisible stigmata,” in which he experienced the pain of the wounds without the visible physical manifestation. Padre Pio’s experience is significant because it was well-documented, and he was eventually declared a saint by the Catholic Church.
- Therese Neumann
Therese Neumann was a German mystic who experienced stigmata and a range of other mystical experiences. She reported that she was able to survive without food or water, and she also experienced visions of the Virgin Mary and other saints. Her stigmata wounds bled on Good Friday each year. Her experience is significant because it was well-documented, and she was investigated by both medical professionals and the Catholic Church.
4. Maria Esperanza
Maria Esperanza was a Venezuelan visionary who experienced stigmata and other mystical experiences throughout her life. She reported that she was able to communicate with angels and that she had visions of the Virgin Mary. Her stigmata wounds appeared on her hands, feet, and side, and they bled profusely. Her experience is significant because she was investigated by both medical professionals and the Catholic Church, and she was declared a “Servant of God” by the Church.
- Magdalena de la Cruz
Magdalena de la Cruz was a Spanish nun who experienced stigmata and other mystical experiences throughout her life. She reported that she had visions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, and that she was able to communicate with angels. Her stigmata wounds appeared on her hands, feet, and side, and they bled on Fridays. Her experience is significant because she was investigated by both medical professionals and the Catholic Church, and her stigmata was believed to be a sign of her sanctity.