What are stigmata?

Answer 1

Stigmata are wounds or skin blotches which match the wounds inflicted on Jesus during the last hours before he died on the cross. Normally these wounds or blotches are found on the hands and ankles, on one side of the chest, and on the shoulders, back, and head. Some people believe that they are produced supernaturally, and are a divine sign of holiness. But the evidence suggests that many of them are created artificially.

Stigmata can remain present for various time periods, from a few hours to many decades. They can also have many different sizes and shapes. Some of them even have the form of a cross, and others are perfectly round, as if produced by a nail. One unusual type is even luminous.

Some of the most notable cases of the phenomenon occurred during the Middle Ages. The most famous case, and possibly the first, was that of Saint Francis of Assisi. Contemporary reports indicate that his wounds appeared about two years before his death in 1226. Some observers even said that his hands appeared to have large nails sticking through them.

Among the other well-known medieval stigmatics were St. Catherine of Siena, Angela of Foligno, and Magdalena de la Cruz. But there have also been many cases since that time, including dozens in the twentieth century. The best-known modern example is Padre Pio (1887-1968), whose wounds were present for more than four decades.

Stigmata are occasionally associated with unusual phenomena such as visions, trances, blackouts, and tears of blood. Some stigmatics also appear to have powers of prophecy and the ability to go long periods without food.

Many people reject the idea that stigmata are created supernaturally. In fact there is evidence that many occurrences have natural causes. For example, some people have apparently wounded themselves while in a trance or state of ecstasy and not remembered it later. Also, some wounds or sores could produced by unusual medical conditions. And a few people have even admitted that they painted fake blotches onto their skin as a way to get attention.

Christianity isn't the first religion to give a spiritual meaning to wounds. In many primitive societies injuries are inflicted as part of a ritual. Religious mutilation was also common in ancient Greek and Roman times, although in some cases tattoos were were substituted for wounds.

The Vatican Church takes allegations very seriously and will examine your private life, friends and family and maybe record you secretly to see if you are self-inflicting the wounds. They may also send round mind doctors, get you x-rayed etc etc.