Published by Is this a paranormal occurrence?
The person experiencing stigmata will have the bodily marks and sensations of pain in similar locations that Jesus had them when he was said to be crucified on the cross. The person who gets the spontaneous manifestations of Stigmata may bleed from the palms, feet, forehead and left side or back.
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There are two forms of stigmata reported.
Visible stigmata, in which the person experiences the above with the wounds, bleeding and pain sensation.
Invisible stigmata, in which the person experiences only the sufferings and no actual wounds or bleeding.
Are these wounds self-inflicted?
Are the people that get stigmata in a sense of delirium or euphoria?
There are no known reports of stigmata before the thirteenth century. But a, St Francis of Assisi was the first to be mentioned and it is now thought that his wounds were self inflicted.
Magdalena de la Cruz spent 35 years of eating only Holy Eucharist bread at mass. She later confessed to fraud when she became seriously ill, she also claimed she was a clairvoyant and could astral project.
In 1992 Fr. James Bruce claimed that he had the bleeding and also that statues wept in his presence. He now runs a parish but the miracles no longer happen.
Reports of 62 saints of both sexes were known to have stigmata and only 20 were noted in the nineteenth century. By the twentieth century the number of reports had gone up to 500 hundred or so, now non-saints were stepping forward with stigmata, it was happening to non Catholic Christians.
There have been many suggestions as to why a stigma happens. Some free-thinkers both physiologists and Catholic believe that it’s the persons imagination and lively emotions that are to blame. The person described as having, a great love for Jesus and wanting to experience the sufferings of Jesus because they were greatly impressed.
Hypnosis has been carried out on subjects but with no real results. Supernatural phenomena have been ruled out also. However modern scientific research has linked it with dietary conditions like anorexia and self-starvation causing mental conditions. Blood letting, self–mutilation and the cleansing of the body have all been blamed.
The blood that seeps from such wounds is said to flow freely with no clotting and the smell of perfume is notable in the air. None of the wounds get infected and they heal very quickly. Apart from one case where a woman was said to have had a thorn from the crown Jesus wore embedded in her forehead. Some have even had tears of blood.
Often people who have stigmata claim that they had a vision of Christ or a mystical experience at the time stigmata started.
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Do all these people just want to share the intimacy with Christ himself? Do they want to feel important and please those with power over them? What could please God more than the showing of proof that he exists?
nice post..thanks
Very interesting!
great article love it
LSD?
A very interesting article, thank you.
Hey L…another interesting topic…well researched and well written. But I just don’t buy into this philosophy…it is scripturally wrong to try and imitate Christ…a person can be Christ-like (i.e. demonstrating love to the unlovely and sharing His love with others, etc.) but many are duped into thinking that if they imitate His crucifixion, His pain and suffering that they are somehow drawn closer to Him…but works has nothing to do with eternal rewards. Salvation comes solely through acceptance of Him as personal Lord and Saviour…it is a simple act of faith and trust. Far too many people try and work their way to eternal security but that is all for naught.
Great post. As for me back in my country, we had folks getting crucified each year for a feel of Jesus Christ’s sufferings.
I just don’t know what to think of this to be honest? I’m a non-believer, so my gut instinct is too look for another explanation, but then again….?
I haven’t explored the stigmata phenomenon at all prior to reading your article, but it is intriguing. The psychology behind it fascinates me.
Strange one this, i should think there has to be a logical scientific answer but what?
very interesting article!
An interesting subject,well-written with an open view.
Personally I think they’re obsessive nutjobs.
Great article. I like your articles. You are a very talented writer! Keep up the good work. I agree with Jim Bob, I think people are misguided in hurting themselves to be loved and accepted by a loving God. That doesnt make sense. I think it may be a physical condition brought on possible subcontiously, emotionally or physically because of something that person is doing or feeling. I feel for these people. I have seen self mutilation in hopes of pleasing God. It is heartbreaking to see.
This has also intrigued me for some time now. I don’t really no what to say. I have seen many things beyond human reasoning and understanding. This is just another one…
stigmata…this was extremely interesting because at one time I was very interested in this subject. Most are self-inflicted, but there are times where there is no explanation. I appreciate you writing this article!!
Stigmata is very well written but a question that confuses many a times when its about God is whether having a desire about not having a desire is not justified too?
“When you believe in things you don’t understand then you’ll suffer (Song by Stevie Wonder).”
Nice written. God Bless!