A conversion through the intercession of St Gemma


A conversion of heart through the intercession of Saint Gemma

Vincent from New York, a friend in St Gemma, kindly gave permission to post our email exchange describing a little bit of his spiritual journey into the Catholic Church. God willing, Vincent will be entering the Catholic Church and receiving his First Holy Communion this upcoming Easter Vigil, April 3 2010. The webmaster would like to gratefully thank Vincent for sharing his inspirational and edifying spiritual journey with us.

Here is Vincents' email:
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Dear Glenn,

Thank you for your kind e-mail. I am very happy to contribute modestly to your beautiful website on St. Gemma.

I would like to share with you the reason of my recent devotion to St Gemma. It is not to talk about myself - it is of no importance - but to testify on the intercession that I obtained from this great Saint.

A few months ago I decided to become a Catholic – I was baptized as a child, but did not practice any religion, rarely prayed, had little faith, and, as a result, became desperate. I talked to a priest who asked me to read the Catechism, then I joined a RCIA program. I am now going to Mass on Sunday, praying the rosary daily, and eagerly waiting for my first Communion.

A few days ago, reflecting on these sudden and dramatic changes in my life, I had the conviction that something must have happened, that I had been helped. Then I remembered that, when I decided to become Catholic, I made a short prayer to St Gemma, to help me convert. I don’t know why I prayed to her, maybe because she is a modern saint, maybe because she inspired me faith and kindness. I can’t really explain. I kept on the desktop of my computer a small file that I wrote at that time, with the prayer that I addressed to St Gemma. I forgot about it, until I opened it a few days ago, and it struck me. I am now certain, a grace from God, that She helped me in my conversion. I’ll never been able to thank her enough. I’ll take Gemma as my confirmation name, in her honor.

Reading your website, I discovered, yesterday, two things, of which I had no prior knowledge. One is that St Gemma was “especially called to sacrifice and suffer for the conversion of sinners”. The second is that her feast is May 16th. This is precisely the day, in 2009, when I decided to convert.

Thank you for your devotion to St Gemma, and may God bless you always.

Immaculate heart of Mary pray for us !

Vincent

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I asked for clarification on a few points and Vincent kindly responded below:
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Dear Glenn,

I will receive my first Communion, God willing, on April 3rd of this year. I do not recall precisely when I first heard of St Gemma, I think I was looking for some information on the web about St Maximilian Kolbe and, since he is a modern Saint, I also found some information about St Gemma. It was approximately 2 years ago. Both saints impressed me much.

The prayer I wrote was very simple, reflecting my lack of religious education and practice at that time, but it was sincere. I first asked God to forgive me and to show me the way (meaning : receive the true faith). I simply added (I copy and paste here) : "Je prie Sainte Gemma pour son intercession" (I pray St Gemma for her intercession). As you can see, it could not have been more simple.

The word "conversion" does not technically apply to me, since I am baptized; however I never had any religious education or practice, even as a kid, so I consider it an actual conversion, or a conversion of the heart, if you will.

I e-mailed a catholic Church on Saturday, May 16 of last year, explaining my willingness to convert and asking for advice, and met with a priest in early June.

May I ask you, Glenn, in one of your prayers, to thank St Gemma for interceding for me. I would really appreciate it.

God bless you and your family.

Vincent
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It was not until recently that Vincent discovered that May 16th is the feast day of St Gemma as celebrated throughout the world by the Passionist Community. And so we join with Vincent in thanking God for the intercession and help of His Saints, who inspire and guide us, and obtain for us countless graces. And let us also pray for our brother Vincent as he enters the Church and receives his First Holy Communion this upcoming Easter Vigil. ~St Gemma, pray for us!

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Click here for an exraordinary and remarkable story of a miraculous conversion through the intercession of St Gemma, that occured during her lifetime.

"...Why today, 0 Jesus, do You not hear me? For one soul only You have done so much! Why then will You not save this other one? Save him, Jesus, save him. Be good, Jesus. Do not say that to me. In Thy mouth, Who art Mercy itself, that word 'abandon' sounds bad. You must not say it. You have not measured the Blood that You have shed for sinners, and now do You wish to measure the enormity of our sins? Do You not listen to me? And I, to whom must I turn? You have shed Thy Blood for him as well as for me. Will You save me and not him? I will not rise from here. Save him. Promise me that You will save him. I offer myself victim for all, but particularly for him. I promise not to refuse Thee anything. Will You grant it to me? It is a soul. Remember, 0 Jesus, it is a soul that has cost Thee so much." -an excerpt from the link listed above

7 comments:

Tim said...

Hello Glenn and Vincent!

Viva Gesù! What a wonderful account of conversion through her intercession! And how remarkable on her feastday!

Congratulations Vincent.

Tim
¡Santa Gema, mi camino a Jesús, por favor, ruega por nosotros!

David said...

Hi Glenn,

There is a new group on Catholic Answers devoted to the Passionists:

http://forums.catholic.com/group.php?groupid=466

We would be pleased if you and any of your readers who are interested might join us.

My introduction to St. Gemma and the Passionists through your apostolate continues to be a blessing in my life. Thank you and God bless!

In Jesu XPI Passio,
David

http://wheat4paradise.wordpress.com/

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi David,
Thanks for your comments. I will definitely look into joining the new Passionist group on Catholic Answers. -Thanks so much for the invitation.

I am also glad to hear of your continued devotion and appreciation for St Gemma and the Passionist spirituality.
"-May the Passion of Christ be ever in our hearts!"

Union in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Glenn

Vincent Gemma said...

Thank you Glenn and Tim for your prayers... I received my first Communion today, the happiest day of my life. May God bless you all.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Dear Vincent,

Congratulations on your entrance into the Church! Tim and I were both praying for you, especially the last few days leading up to Easter.

Tim was also recieved into the Church last night during the Easter Vigil.

I pray that you may always be a faithful son of God and His Church and that the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ may unite you ever closer to Himself!

Wishing you a blessed Easter in the joy of the Resurrection of our beloved Lord! May God bless you and may He guide you always.
~St Gemma, pray for us!
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

Hello. I was recommended to pray to St. Gemma for the conversion of loved ones. Is there a specific prayer to her regarding this intention? Thanks!!!

Glenn Dallaire said...


Hi Anonymous,
I would say, pray from your heart using your own words.
May God bless you and your loved ones,
Glenn Dallaire

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