In simplest terms stigmata are marks, wounds or pain which correspond to those of Christ suffered at his crucifixion.
The word comes from the Greek, "stigma," which was the word for an identifying brand used on livestock or slaves. Thus in Catholic terms stigmatics have been branded with Jesus' wounds and are therefore identified as his.
The Holy Wounds of Stigmata
Jesus was said to have suffered from five separate wounds at his crucifixion, sometimes called the Holy Wounds. These included the wounds caused by a Crown of Thorns, scourging on the back, the wound in the side, caused by a spear, nail holes in the wrists, or hands, and nail holes in the ankles, or feet.
While these wounds are not explicitly mentioned in any of the Catholic Bible's Passion stories, during the Middle ages The Holy Wounds came to be used to symbolize Christianity. Christian Crusaders would often wear the Jerusalem cross, an emblem representing the Holy Wounds. The Roman Catholic tradition even has prayers associated with the Holy Wounds.
Stigmata can display any, or all, of the Holy Wounds. Additionally, some Christian stigmatics report feelings of sadness, depression or weakness, prior to the bleeding. In modern cases the wounds typically heal as mysteriously as they are caused with healing reported within a few hours of the wounds' appearance.
Types of Stigmata
There are more than one type of stigmata. Some affected people display no outward signs of the stigmata at all. These are referred to as the invisible stigmata. Other stigmatics' wounds refuse to clot or heal. They remain fresh and uninfected.
In very rare cases the blood is said to have a perfumed odor, known as the Odor of Sanctity. The Odor of Sanctity can also be present separate from stigmata. Saint Teresa of Avila was reported to have emitted heavenly scents after she died.
Those who have shown the wounds of Christ are often ecstatics. Upon receiving the stigmata they receive a mystical vision of Christ. While the have been extremely rare cases on non-Catholic stigmatics most are devout Roman Catholics.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “None are known prior to the thirteenth century. The first mentioned is St. Francis of Assisi, in whom the stigmata were of a character never seen subsequently.” Since that time over 500 stigmatics have been accepted by the Roman Catholic Church. The first record of a female stigmatic is the Blessed Christina von Stommeln circa 1310.
The exact cause of stigmata is still debated to day. The Roman Catholic Churches official stance is to, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “not attempt to solve this question. Physiological science does not appear to be far enough advanced to admit a definite solution.”
Those who found this article interesting may enjoy reading The Medjugorie Marian Apparitions.
Sources:
- Catholic.org
- CrystaLinks.com
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