Miracles
Exorcism
Mysticism, Stigmata and Incorruptible Body. Science, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.
Mysticism
Mysticism the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2014) teaches Spiritual progress tends toward ever more intimate union with Christ. This union is called "mystical" because it participates in the mystery of Christ through the sacraments - "the holy mysteries" - and, in him, in the mystery of the Holy Trinity. God calls us all to this intimate union with him, even if the special graces or extraordinary signs of this mystical life are granted only to some for the sake of manifesting the gratuitous gift given to all.In Father Thomas Nathe's August 11th, 2024 Pastor's Column ( Holy Redeemer Parish, Vancouver WA,) on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he writes that the Church has always taught that like her Son, the Blessed Virgin Mary ascended body and soul into heaven, not just soul and refers to two accounts of the Assumption of the BVM, written by saintly mystics: Venerable Mary of Agreda and Blessed of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German Roman Catholic mystic and stigmatic. Emmerich said that as a child she had visions also referred to as religious ecstasies, in which she talked with Jesus, saw the souls in purgatory, and witnessed the core of the Holy Trinity in the form of three concentric, interpenetrating full spheres.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, religious ecstasy (called "supernatural ecstasy") includes two elements: one, interior and invisible, in which the mind rivets its attention on a religious subject, and another, corporeal and visible, in which the activity of the senses is suspended, reducing the effect of external sensations upon the subject and rendering him or her resistant to awakening. The witnesses of a Marian apparition often describe experiencing these elements of ecstasy
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, is a book published in 1833, based on the visions Blessed Anne experienced on the Passion of Jesus, recorded and compiled by Clemens Brentano, a German romantic poet and writer. The Passion of the Christ is a 2004 American epic biblical drama film co-written, co-produced, and directed by Mel Gibson, depicting the Passion of Jesus largely according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, along with other devotional writings, such as the reputed visions attributed to Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.
In 1892 the cause for Emmerich’s beatification was introduced. The case generated sharp debate among scholars, and in 1928, the Holy Office intervened to call a halt to the process moving toward her canonization because of the seriousness of these questions. Experts analyzed Brentano’s papers and came to the conclusion that only a small portion of what had been published could safely be attributed to Catherine. Based on Brentano's papers, unquestionably attributed to Blessed Anne, Pope Paul VI in 1973 lifted the ban on her process, and six years later the German bishops’ conference formally requested that it be resumed. The cause was reintroduced with the proviso that Brentano's writings be excluded from consideration. List of Mystics. On 3 October 2004, Anne Catherine Emmerich was beatified by Pope John Paul II. The books produced by Brentano were set aside, and her cause adjudicated solely on the basis of her own personal sanctity and virtue. Her cause for sainthood is being handled by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.
The term originates from the line at the end of Saint Paul 's Letter to the Galatians where he says, "I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." (Gal.6:17). Stigmata is the plural of the Greek word στίγμα (stigma), which means a "mark". It is also the root word for the term stigmatize.
The Church takes a very critical and very rigorous look at specific stigmata cases - not unlike the process of beautification-
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, is a book published in 1833, based on the visions Blessed Anne experienced on the Passion of Jesus, recorded and compiled by Clemens Brentano, a German romantic poet and writer. The Passion of the Christ is a 2004 American epic biblical drama film co-written, co-produced, and directed by Mel Gibson, depicting the Passion of Jesus largely according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, along with other devotional writings, such as the reputed visions attributed to Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.
In 1892 the cause for Emmerich’s beatification was introduced. The case generated sharp debate among scholars, and in 1928, the Holy Office intervened to call a halt to the process moving toward her canonization because of the seriousness of these questions. Experts analyzed Brentano’s papers and came to the conclusion that only a small portion of what had been published could safely be attributed to Catherine. Based on Brentano's papers, unquestionably attributed to Blessed Anne, Pope Paul VI in 1973 lifted the ban on her process, and six years later the German bishops’ conference formally requested that it be resumed. The cause was reintroduced with the proviso that Brentano's writings be excluded from consideration. List of Mystics. On 3 October 2004, Anne Catherine Emmerich was beatified by Pope John Paul II. The books produced by Brentano were set aside, and her cause adjudicated solely on the basis of her own personal sanctity and virtue. Her cause for sainthood is being handled by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.
Stigmata
A Stigmata is a term used in Christian mysticism to describe the manifestations of bodily wounds, scars and pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ, such as the hands, wrists, and feet. An individual bearing the wounds of stigmata is referred to as a Stigmatist or a Stigmatic.
The term originates from the line at the end of Saint Paul 's Letter to the Galatians where he says, "I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." (Gal.6:17). Stigmata is the plural of the Greek word στίγμα (stigma), which means a "mark". It is also the root word for the term stigmatize.
The Church takes a very critical and very rigorous look at specific stigmata cases - not unlike the process of beautification-
before talking about this topic. This is why it has made a positive pronouncement only in a few cases and after rigorous medical and theological studies. Meaning, it is only considered a supernatural happenings, if science cannot explain it.
Everybody is a Saint
So we can all be Catholic saints? While all of us are called to be saints, not all of us can make it through the rigorous, scientific- based process used by the Catholic Church - just like passing through the eye of the needle. So how does one become a Catholic saint? According to the US Catholic Bishops website: All Christians are called to be saints. Saints are persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others, or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation.
In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: a candidate becomes "Venerable," then "Blessed" and then "Saint." Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived a heroically virtuous life or offered their life. To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate's intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or offering of life. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification. The pope may waive these requirements. A miracle is not required prior to a martyr's beatification, but one is required before canonization Elizabeth Melimopoulos and Anna Nigmatulina have compiled an extensive list of the process that a Cartholic saint must go through and as always, there is the simpler version.
Stigmata and Science
The stigmata represent a sign of Christ’s sufferings during the Passion, and therefore they constitute a theological statement; that is to say, they are a faithful reproduction in certain people of Jesus’ wounds at the moment of his crucifixion, above all in what refers to the place of the wounds (feet, hands, side and head).
In the cases the Church has approved, the stigmata are a grace of God granted to few saints; the stigmata are physical manifestations of Christian mysticism.
We must keep in mind that when the Church recognizes a phenomenon as authentic, it accepts the phenomenon but in no case does it propose that it be believed as a doctrine of faith.
While there are around 321 generally accepted stigmata and 62 of these people have been beatified, according to
In the cases the Church has approved, the stigmata are a grace of God granted to few saints; the stigmata are physical manifestations of Christian mysticism.
We must keep in mind that when the Church recognizes a phenomenon as authentic, it accepts the phenomenon but in no case does it propose that it be believed as a doctrine of faith.
While there are around 321 generally accepted stigmata and 62 of these people have been beatified, according to
St Augustine of Hippo Church Protestants cannot relate this supernatural experiences because they don't have a connection to the apostles and Christ. God gave stigmata only to few holy persons, to let world know and to remind us the reality of Christ's suffering in the cross to save us. That is
why most of those who experienced a stigmata are Catholics.
There are no examples before the 13th century.
1. The stigmata are located in the same places as the five wounds of Christ.
2. The stigmata all appear at the same time.
3. The stigmata appear spontaneously while the person prays in ecstasy.
4. They cannot be explained by natural causes.
5. They do not deteriorate into necrosis.
6. The do not give off a bad smell; on the contrary, sometimes it is said they smell of flowers.
7. They do not become infected.
8. They bleed daily and profusely.
9. They remain unchanged despite treatment. They do not become worse.
10. They cause a significant modification of the bodily tissues.
11. They do not close perfectly and instantaneously.
12. They are accompanied by intense physical and moral suffering, as from participating in the sufferings of Christ. (The lack of pain is a bad sign and a cause for doubt.)
If the above were not enough, the entire life of the person involved is also studied. He or she must be a person who practices Christian virtues heroically — in particular, their great love for humility and for the cross should stand out.
St. Cecilia is believed to be the first saint whose body was incorruptible. She was martyred somewhere around 177 – 230 AD. Nearly 1500 years later, during a renovation of the church where she was buried, her remains were exhumed, and her body was discovered to be incorrupt, as if she were asleep in the same position in which she had been buried centuries earlier.
Catholic Encyclopedia Online: Mystical Stigmata
Catholic Information Network
Padre Pio web site one of the most recent stigmatics
A short biography of Padre Pio from Catholic Saints Online
Another short biography of Padre Pio From the Capuchin Friars Website
Aleteia | 5 Saints who received the stigmata, and what it felt like when they got the wounds
ChurchPOP | 6 Saints Who Received the Mysterious Gift of Stigmata
Mysticism, Incorruptibility, Stigmata and Science
The Church teaches that there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason (CCC 159.) "Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth." "Consequently, methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made them what they are."
The Church doesn’t canonize anyone just because they have the stigmata. What the Church does when it canonizes is recognize the exemplary Christian life of a saint, whether or not he or she has the stigmata.
The phenomenon of the stigmata is a sign of the reality of Christ’s passion on the Cross. By God’s will, certain saints who have loved and meditated on the sacrifice of Christ crucified have participated in his sufferings. They offer those sufferings with the same spirituality as Saint Paul, who said, "I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." (Colossians 1:24).
Legend affirms the apostle Paul himself had the stigmata, and that when he says, "… I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body" (Galatians 6:17), he saying it literally.
The phenomenon of the stigmata is a sign of the reality of Christ’s passion on the Cross. By God’s will, certain saints who have loved and meditated on the sacrifice of Christ crucified have participated in his sufferings. They offer those sufferings with the same spirituality as Saint Paul, who said, "I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." (Colossians 1:24).
Legend affirms the apostle Paul himself had the stigmata, and that when he says, "… I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body" (Galatians 6:17), he saying it literally.
For stigmatists, the wounds of Christ on their bodies are an unmerited grace; therefore, if they are a form of grace, God is the one who gives them.
Through the stigmata, God expresses his pleasure in the holiness of life related to the conscious acceptance of the Cross taken up spiritually. It is, then, an experience of suffering colored with joy for the grace received.
A stigmatist receives the mission of being a prophet to remind mankind of the realities that are truly important. They help us to see the extremes to which Christ went to redeem us. They help those who suffer to conform themselves to Christ, offering their own sufferings for the salvation of souls.
Through the stigmata, God expresses his pleasure in the holiness of life related to the conscious acceptance of the Cross taken up spiritually. It is, then, an experience of suffering colored with joy for the grace received.
A stigmatist receives the mission of being a prophet to remind mankind of the realities that are truly important. They help us to see the extremes to which Christ went to redeem us. They help those who suffer to conform themselves to Christ, offering their own sufferings for the salvation of souls.
Criteria Church uses to determine authenticity of stigmata.
1. The stigmata are located in the same places as the five wounds of Christ.
2. The stigmata all appear at the same time.
3. The stigmata appear spontaneously while the person prays in ecstasy.
4. They cannot be explained by natural causes.
5. They do not deteriorate into necrosis.
6. The do not give off a bad smell; on the contrary, sometimes it is said they smell of flowers.
7. They do not become infected.
8. They bleed daily and profusely.
9. They remain unchanged despite treatment. They do not become worse.
10. They cause a significant modification of the bodily tissues.
11. They do not close perfectly and instantaneously.
12. They are accompanied by intense physical and moral suffering, as from participating in the sufferings of Christ. (The lack of pain is a bad sign and a cause for doubt.)
If the above were not enough, the entire life of the person involved is also studied. He or she must be a person who practices Christian virtues heroically — in particular, their great love for humility and for the cross should stand out.
Incorruptibility
Incorruptibility is a Catholic belief that divine intervention allows some human bodies,specifically saints and beati, to completely or partially avoid the normal process of decomposition after death as a sign of their holiness.A tomb of a medieval Catholic saint was recently opened last month for research – and the condition of her body stunned those who found her.
Just last month, the Diocese of Avila in Spain, announced the recent opening of the tomb of St. Teresa of Jesus. The saint, also known as St. Teresa of Avila, a Discalced Carmelite nun who died in 1582. The diocese, explained that the tomb containing most of St. Teresa's corpse, was last opened in 1914 and has reportedly "remained incorrupt since 1582." The analysis of Teresa's corpse is still in the early stages, but it is expected that the project will teach researchers how to better preserve relics.
The phenomenon is not common, but there are more than 300 saints whose bodies were exhumed decades or even centuries after their death, and showed no signs of physical decay.
St. Cecilia is believed to be the first saint whose body was incorruptible. She was martyred somewhere around 177 – 230 AD. Nearly 1500 years later, during a renovation of the church where she was buried, her remains were exhumed, and her body was discovered to be incorrupt, as if she were asleep in the same position in which she had been buried centuries earlier.
References
Catholic Encyclopedia Online: Mystical Stigmata
Catholic Information Network
Padre Pio web site one of the most recent stigmatics
A short biography of Padre Pio from Catholic Saints Online
Another short biography of Padre Pio From the Capuchin Friars Website
Aleteia | 5 Saints who received the stigmata, and what it felt like when they got the wounds
Catholic Education Resource Center (CERC) | What is the Stigmata?
ChurchPOP | 6 Saints Who Received the Mysterious Gift of Stigmata
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