Seeing the Invisible: The Senses in the Charismas and Stigmatisation of Gemma Galgani

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse Gemma Galgani’s experience of stigmatization from a sensory perspective. The goal is to comprehend not only her perception of the stigmata and her relationship with the invisible figures she saw but also how her experience was received and perceived by those who witnessed the phenomenon. The analysis employs a historical-religious and anthropological approach, considering a broad range of sources, including her autobiography, diary, letters, and the positio drafted for the beatification process.