Raised to the Altar

God Exalts the Humble

The Church authorities began to study Gemma’s life in 1917 and she was beatified in 1933. The decree approving the miracles for canonization was read March 26th, 1939- Passion Sunday. Gemma Galgani was canonized on May 2nd, 1940, only thirty-seven years after her death. (1.)

There is a verse from Dante’s poem (Paradise, c. XXX, 19-21) in which supernatural beauty is admirably recalled and exalted. (2.) It also aptly fits the little Gem of Christ, true Beatrice, in whom the Lord was so pleased to adorn for His very own:

The beauty I beheld transcendeth measure
Not only past or reach, but surely I believe
That only He who made it enjoyeth it complete.

St. Gemma Pray For Us