[k omalley]

Whether Hermann and Dave's interpretation of scripture is correct or not, I think that the phenomena of the stigmata goes further than just being mere superstition.
These cases have been observed and documented, fraud has been ruled out in the more recent cases of saints who had these wounds. Blood has been observed pouring out of gaping wounds which often rapidly heal. Whether these are the authentic wounds of Christ, a psychological phenomena or are caused by satan can be debated. But thre is plenty of evidence that they are authentic.

[drstevej]

I did not say all claims stigmata are superstition.

My point was that the passage cited to show Paul that was a stigmatic was without substantiation and mere superstition.

Regarding claims of others, I have not researched them historically. Certainly God is able to produce stigmata if He so chooses. Likewise, Satan can offer counterrfeit miracles.

[american colleen]

I'm thinking of the recent stigmatic, Theresa Neumann who was from Germany. I think she died in the early 60s. I have a book on her somewhere around here and the pictures are incredible.

Also St. Rita of Cascia (sp?) - had the wound on her forehead from a thorn... it bled all the time but smelled like roses... a phenomena associated with all stigmatics, I believe.

[As you well know...]

Fr. John A. Hardon "Modern Catholic Dictionary" has an extended entry on "stigmata." He says 320 cases of stigmas have been verified and more than 60 persons were canonized.

He notes "The wounds do not become festered and the blood flowing from them is pure, whereas the slightest natural lesion in some part of the the body develops an infection. Moreover, the wounds do not yeild to the natural medical treatment and yet they remain for as long as thiry to forty years....Finally true stigmata are not found except in persons who practice the most heroic virtues and possess a special love of the Cross"

That Dictionary is a "must own" for Catholics.