Mar 25, 2025

Novena to St. Gemma Galgani

 

Day 1 - April 2

A Child of Grace

Reflection:

St. Gemma Galgani was born on March 12, 1878, near Lucca, Italy, into a devout family. From childhood, she showed an extraordinary love for Jesus, saying, β€œI wish to love Him alone.” β€œLet the children come to Me” (Matt 19:14)β€”her pure heart opened early to divine grace.

Prayer:

I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 2 - April 3

The Loss of Family

Reflection:
Gemma faced profound sorrowβ€”her mother died when she was 8, her father at 19, leaving her an orphan. Yet she turned to Jesus and Mary as her true family. β€œThe Lord is near to the brokenhearted” (Ps 34:18)β€”her grief deepened her reliance on divine love.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 3 - April 4

The Call to Suffering

Reflection:
At 20, Gemma was struck with spinal meningitis, leaving her bedridden. She offered her pain to Jesus, saying, β€œIf it be Your will, I accept it.” β€œTake up your cross and follow Me” (Matt 16:24)β€”her illness became a path to holiness.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 4 - April 5

The Stigmata

Reflection:
On June 8, 1899, Gemma received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, during a vision. She bore them every Thursday to Friday, uniting herself to His Passion. β€œI have been crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:20)β€”her body became a living testament to His love.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 5 - April 6

Love for the Eucharist

Reflection:
Gemma’s greatest joy was receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, often weeping with love at Communion. β€œWhoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me” (John 6:56)β€”her soul thrived on this union with her Beloved.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 6 - April 7

Devotion to Mary

Reflection:
Gemma called the Blessed Virgin her β€œMamma,” entrusting herself to her care. Mary appeared to her, guiding her to Jesus. β€œBehold, your mother” (John 19:27)β€”Gemma’s love for Mary deepened her bond with Christ.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 7 - April 8

Battles with the Devil

Reflection:
Gemma endured fierce spiritual attacks from the devil, who sought to deter her holiness. She fought back with prayer and trust, crying, β€œJesus, save me!” β€œResist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)β€”her victory came through faith.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 8 - April 9

Her Holy Death

Reflection:
On April 11, 1903β€”Holy Saturdayβ€”Gemma died at 25 of tuberculosis, whispering, β€œJesus, I commend myself to You.” Her last moments mirrored Christ’s Passion. β€œInto Your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)β€”she entered glory through suffering.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.


Day 9 - April 10

Patroness and Intercessor

Reflection:
Canonized in 1940, St. Gemma is patroness of students, pharmacists, and those afflicted with suffering. Her life shines as a call to love Christ Crucified. β€œYou are precious in My eyes, and I love you” (Isaiah 43:4)β€”her sanctity invites us to holiness.

Prayer:
I greet you, O Glorious St. Gemma Galgani, Gem of Christ, Flower of Purity, and ardent lover of the Cross! I greet you, Mystic of the Passion and Beacon of Holiness, Patroness of students, pharmacists, and those who suffer!

Most faithful Saint, inspired by your burning love for Jesus and your union with His sufferings, I humbly turn to you, unworthy as I am, and ask you to obtain for me from Our Lord Jesus Christ the favor I seek in this novena.

(State your intentions here…)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Obtain for me also, O Gem of Christ, a deep sorrow for my sins and the grace to imitate the virtues you so radiantly lived, especially purity, patience, and devotion to the Passion. Above all, I beg you to be my guide and intercessor, to number me among your devoted followers, and to lead me to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from your place in heaven.

Do not reject my pleas, O Spouse of the Crucified! Have pity on me, and sustain me in life and at the hour of my death. Amen.

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