Saint's of the Week

Saint Gemma 

Feast Day: 11th April

Virtue: Prayer

St. Gemma Galgani, also known as the Flower of Lucca, was an Italian mystic often

 referred to as the "Daughter of Passion," for her intense replication of the Passion of Christ. She was born on March 12, 1878, in a small Italian town near Lucca. 

At a very young age, Gemma developed a love for prayer. She made her First Communion on June 17, 1887. Gemma was loved by her teachers and her fellow students, as a student at a school run by the Sisters of St. Zita. Though quiet and reserved, she always had a smile for everyone. Unfortunately, Gemma had to quit school due to her chronic ill health before completing the course of study. 

Throughout her life, Gemma was to be chosen with many mystical experiences and special graces. These were often misunderstood by others, causing ridicule. Gemma suffered heartache in reparation, remembering that Our Lord Himself had been misunderstood and ridiculed. Gemma had an immense love for the poor and helped them in any way she could. After her father's death, the 19-year-old Gemma became the mother figure for her seven brothers and sisters. When some of her siblings became old enough to share the responsibility, Gemma went to live briefly with a married aunt. 

In January of 1903, Gemma was diagnosed with tuberculosis. At the start of Holy Week in 1903, Gemma began suffering greatly. She died at age 25 on Holy Saturday, April 11.. The Parish Priest in her company said, "She died with a smile which remained upon her lips, so that I could not convince myself that she was really dead." St. 

Gemma Galgani was beatified on May 14, 1933 by Pope Pius XI and canonized on May 2, 1940, only 37 years after her death, by Pope Pius XII. She is the patron saint against temptations, against the death of parents, against tuberculosis, of students and of pharmacists. Her feast day is celebrated on April 11. 

Saint Zita

Feast Day: 27th April 

Virtue: Goodness

 Zita was born into a poor but devout Christian family. At the age of twelve, she entered domestic service in the house of a well - to– do weaver in Italy.

As things turned out, she remained with that family for the last forty-eight years of her life. She found time every day to attend Mass and recite her many prayers as well as to carry out her household chores.

Indeed, Zita’s work was part of her religion! She used to say: “A servant is not pious if she is not industrious.” 

At first Zita’s employers were upset by her lavish gifts of food to the poor. But in time, they were completely won over by her goodness. Zita also busied herself by visiting the sick and those in prison. 

Word spread rapidly in Lucca of her good deeds. She was sought out by prominent persons, and at her death in 1278 the people acclaimed her as a saint.