Patron Saint of back pain & spinal illnesses disorders


St Gemma -The Patron Saint of back pain and more…

Saint Gemma is commonly considered the Patron Saint of Pharmacists, loss of parents, those suffering with back illnesses, back injury or pain, those struggling with temptations and those seeking purity of heart. The following are explanations of why she is the patroness of each.

Patron Saint of those suffering with back pain, spinal injury or illnesses.Beginning in early 1898, Gemma became seriously ill with what was believed to be spinal tuberculosis. Not only did her back pain become severe, it also became necessary for her to wear an iron back brace (see photo of Gemma's back brace above), and as the disease progressed, she eventually became completely bedridden, being able to move only her head and arms. This spinal diseased progrssed for about one and a half years, until her miraculous cure on March 3, 1899, after making a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

To begin with, the spinal tuberculosis and accompanying spinal tumors were diagnosed late because Gemma experienced a feeling of extreme repugnance at the very idea of medical examinations. She mentions these details herself in her Autobiography:
“Already for a long time I had felt pain in that part, but I did not want to touch it or look at it, because when I was a little child I had heard in a sermon that our bodies were the temples of the Holy Ghost. These words impressed me, and so far as I have been able I have carefully guarded my body. What agony I suffered when I had to submit to a medical examination. Every time I heard the doctor coming I used to cry. "

But since Gemma's back condition was continually growing worse she could no longer hide it. She was now subject to violent headaches. She became deaf. Her hair fell out, and her members became paralysed. The doctor was sent for. Her Aunt, Elisa Galgani made good use of the authority she had over Gemma, for she knew that her desire to be obedient was the only means of overcoming her repugnance to seeing a doctor.

At his first examination, Dr Del Prete found that Gemma had an advanced abscess in the lumbar (lower back) region, which seemed to communicate with the spine. To make sure he decided upon a consultation, and the result was a verdict that she was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine -a serious disease and very difficult to cure.

The first abscess was followed by another. It was lanced again and again and medicated glycerine injected into it. When Gemma heard that among other remedies the doctor intended to try the cauterizing iron, she asked him smilingly as if the question referred to some other person: 'Doctor, are you going to do the cauterizing?' During that operation the patient, as is easy to understand, suffers a great deal, but on the testimony of the doctors Gemma never uttered a word, and bore the pain calmly and almost with indifference.

These remedies made her no better, and she passed her days and nights lying in the same position, unless someone helped her to change it. And in this state she remained for a year. After the operation referred to above she had to wear an iron corset, which had to be ordered from a man in Pisa named Redini, who came on purpose to Lucca to fit it on. It was very heavy and uncomfortable according to Elisa Galgani--and Gemma, who wore it day and night with only her hands free, was as it were crucified. Her confessor, Monsignor Volpi, who was at this time spiritual director to the Visitation Nuns at Lucca, had spoken about her, and so had Father Andrew Bartoloni, the parish priest of St. Frediano's, who came frequently to visit her and to bring her Holy Communion. The latter deposed:

‘Every Saturday I brought her Holy Communion. She used to go to confession to Monsignor Volpi, who is my cousin. She was attacked by a disease which some said was spinal; others said it was paralysis, others Pott's disease (spinal tuberculosis). I could not say exactly. It was for the fifteen Saturdays called the Saturdays of Pompei that I brought her Holy Communion. I brought her Holy Communion on a few other occasions, for she was ill for many months. On one occasion when I visited her I had just returned from France, where I had said Mass at Paray-le- Monial. She seemed very interested in the Sanctuary there and asked me about the devotion to Blessed Margaret Mary which was practised there.'

And while Don Andrew Bartoloni was answering Gemma's questions, on his side he received, in compensation, great edification. He tells us this himself:
‘Through her illness she was, as it were, rigid. She could raise only her head and shoulders a little. She used to say to me: " See, I am crucified; I cannot move." But nevertheless she never uttered a word of complaint. She was always jovial, smiling and peaceful. It seemed to me that she had a most extraordinary resignation. She had her Rosary or a holy picture always in her hand or under her pillow. Even the family seemed peaceful, because Gemma was so calm. Sometimes when I was leaving the house, they said to me: "Isn't Gemma remarkably resigned?"
By the beginning of January 1899 she was completely bedridden due to the continuing debilitation of her spine, with little hope for recovery. As a last ditch effort, on January 4th, the Doctors cauterized her in 12 places along her spine. This procedure did not help whatsoever and she grew steadily worse. Fearing death was near, on February 2nd, 1899 she was given Viaticum (Extreme Unction or the Sacrament of the Sick as it is known today). In her Autobiography she writes-
“On the second of February I confessed and I received Viaticum and awaited the moment for going to Jesus. The doctors, whispering thinking I could not hear, said among themselves that I would not live until midnight. Viva Jesu!”

To summarize the remainder of what happened, she was miraculously cured with the help of Venerable (now a Saint) Brother Gabriel Possenti C.P. on March 3, 1899, the First Friday of the month, which is devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, after making a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Br. Gabriel appeared to her each night of the Novena in a series of visions and encouraged her, and helped her to pray the Novena prayers. Concerning her miraculous cure in her Autobiography she writes-
"I sent for my confessor and went to Confession. The next morning I recieved Communion. What happy moments I spent with Jesus! He kept repeating to me, Gemma, do you wish to be cured?" I was so moved that I could not answer. Poor Jesus! The grace had been given. I was cured.
"My daughter" Jesus said, embracing me. "I give myself entirely to you and you will be entirely mine"
On that morning, she left her sick bed for good, however, her spine and the surrounding muscles were not completely healed, and she continued to wear the iron back brace for two more months, until God in His goodness and mercy, chose to cure her completely. Concerning this, in her Autobiography we read that two months after her miraculous cure, thus no longer bedridden and able to walk, she made a retreat with the Visitandine Sisters (Nuns of the Visitation of Mary), hoping to obtain admission as a Nun in their Order.

“With the permission of the Mother Superior and the entire community, I then asked permission of the Archbishop to remain there, but he would not grant it, saying that my health was still so poor that I was wearing an iron brace on my back to hold it straight (I haven't the slightest idea who told the Archbishop). The Mother Superior commanded me under obedience, therefore, to take off the back brace. I wept on receiving this command because I well knew that I could not do without it. I ran to the novitiate and prayed to my dear Child Jesus. Then I hastened to my room. I took it off, and though nearly two years have passed since then, I have never worn the brace again and I am doing very well.”
Therefore, those suffering from back pain or back injuries have a most compassionate and understanding patron and friend in Saint Gemma!
Here is the account of St Gemma's miraculous cure:
http://www.stgemmagalgani.com/2008/11/st-gabriel-possenti-miraculously-helps.html

As stated at the beginning of this article, Gemma is also the Patron Saint of those struggling with temptations and those seeking purity of heart. An explanation for this can be found here:
http://www.stgemmagalgani.com/2009/04/st-gemmas-heroic-chastity-and-purity.html
In light of this patronage, here are a few examples of Gemma’s desire for purity:
Writing to her spiritual director-

"Oh Father, what terrible temptations these are! All temptations are painful, but these against holy purity torment me the most! What I undergo is known only to Jesus, who secretly guards me and He is pleased with me."
In ecstacy she says-

"....But to come to heaven requires purity of heart; give it to me, my Jesus....Yes, I so desire purity of heart!"
In her childhood, Gemma’s saintly mother Aurelia taught Gemma to say 3 Hail Mary prayers, kneeling with her knees on top of her hands, while praying to the Blessed Mother for purity. Gemma continued this pious practice until her death.

She is also the Patron Saint of Orphans (loss of parents) because her mother (Aurelia) died when Gemma was only 8 years old, and her Father (Enrico) died when she was 18, leaving Gemma and her remaining brothers and sisters orphaned and in poverty –the poverty due to her fathers illness prior to his death..

Finally, St Gemma is the Patron Saint of Pharmacists because her Father Enrico was a Pharmacist, and supported her and her family in this occupation until his early death at age 57.

Those who suffer with back pain or spinal injuries may be inspired to read here of a recent grace given to a back injury sufferer who received the heavenly help and intercession of Saint Gemma.

“What is sweeter than to be filled with the thought of Jesus, and to kneel before that Divine Victim of love and sorrow—A Victim for my sins, my salvation and for the salvation of souls?" -St Gemma Galgani

103 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love Saint Gemma......

Happy Catholic said...

Glenn -

Thanks for more wonderful insight into St. Gemma. I pray that many people will find this site and be inspired by the truly extraordinary St. Gemma. What a powerful intercessor she is for our uncertain times!

HappytoBeCatholic

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Happy Catholic,
Thanks so much for your kind comments.
-St Gemma, pray for us!
Glenn

prayerwarrior4Jesus said...

Thank you for sharing with us another wonderful saint who can intercede for us. I have suffered lots of back pain for about 40 years. The Lord healed me of many infirmities--PRAISE GOD! But the back pain He did not remove. I call it the "thorn in my side," taken from St. Paul's references to the thorn in his side. And as a good Catholic, I offer it up daily for many intentions. I know God uses my discomfort and pain. I will ask St. Gemma to be our family's patron, as we also have a pharmacist in our family, who has been practicing for just a year. And, of course, her intercession for purity is equally important. God bless you and all those who read this blog. Jesus love you and Mother Mary keep you!

Unknown said...

It must have been Divine Providence that I followed a link from Spirit Daily to this page a few minutes ago, because I too suffer from back pain, as well as tempatations against purity. I will now add St. Gemma to my list of patron saints who can help me come to terms with God's plan for me.

Unknown said...

I had no sooner gotten off the phone w/my daughter who is suffering immensely these past few days w/severe & disabling spinal pain when I came to my computer to look for an e-mail & there was the link to St. Gemma from my brother who lives in Oregon! He didn't know of my daughter's extreme back pain, but, SOMEONE did & prompted him to send this to me! I will pray to dear St. Gemma to heal my daughter, if it is in Our Lord's Holy Will. Thank you, St. Gemma and dear brother John!!!!

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Prayerwarrior4Jesus, Ravin Ray and Sharon,

My prayers are with each of you and your loved ones. May God be with you and draw you ever closer to Himself, and may Saint Gemma be your special friend and advocate in your trials and sufferings.
-St Gemma, pray for us!

Union in the hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Glenn Dallaire -webmaster

zinc said...

Back pain affects many across the globe, and can be quite debilitating as it affects not only our jobs and daily lives – but also our outlook on life and ability to enjoy our friends and family!
Thank you for sharing with us another wonderful saint who can intercede for us.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Zinc,

Thanks for your comments.
It is very true that sadly there are so many back pain sufferers throughout the world. This is why I was happy to encourage others through this article to pray to Saint Gemma to help them with their back pain, given that she too suffered from inetense and debilitating back pain.
Having thus experienced a severe spinal disease, surely St Gemma is an extraordinary advocate with God for those with back injuries or illnesses.

St Gemma, the patron saint of back injuries, pray for us!

Anonymous said...

Please pray for and intercede for my son Jon, who has a very painful back for almost 15 years since a car wreck. He is contemplating surgery and we need direction. Santa Gemma pray for us. Jana Rael

Glenn Dallaire said...

Dear Jana,
Be assured of my prayers for your son Jon and his back problem. I pray that God may guide the both of you regarding the possibility of surgery, and may St Gemma be your special advocate.

Union in the hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Glenn Dallaire

catherine said...

Im thinking about choosing saint Gemma for my confirmation saint because I to suffer cronic back pain.
St. Gemma pray for us:)

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Catherine,

It is nice to meet you. Thanks for your comment.
I think that St Gemma would be an excellent choice for your Confirmation Saint. Certainly, she can very well sympathise with your chronic back pain, having thus experienced severe back pain herself for quite some time. Then too, her intense devotion and love for God is an example and model for us all.

Also, surely St Gemma can obtain for us many spirtual and physical graces that we need and desire from God. She offers up to Jesus the tender and constant love that she bore Him while she was here on earth, and even moreso now that she is united with Him in heaven, and thus she can obtain for us many graces.
St Gemma is a blessed friend in heaven and a extraordinary advocate wih God.

May God bless you and may He draw you ever closer to Himself.
-Glenn Dallaire

Brent- Florida said...

I am a recent convert (about a year and a half ago) and love our Church. St. Gemma has given me great hope this morning, as I have asked for her prayers for my father and that through her intercession I might gain an opportunity to witness to him the Catholic faith. I'm excited to learn more about her. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Brent,
It is nice to meet you.
Thanks for you comments.
I am really glad to hear of your recent conversion. I pray that St Gemma may intercede for your father.

As you probaly know, St Gemma's feastday is coming in less than 2 weeks--April 11th--Divine Mercy Sunday 2010, so this is a really good time to ask her for her help and intercession.

I hope you and yours have a Blessed Easter in the joy of the Resurrection.
~St Gemma, pray for us!
Glenn Dallaire

B. Dunn said...

My 16-year-old niece has suffered a devastating spinal cord injury, and we are praying for her to come back to us. Please keep her in your prayers. We will be calling on Saint Gemma for her help.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Dear B. Dunn,
I am very sorry to hear of your niece's severe spinal injury.

I unite with you in prayer to Saint Gemma asking her intercession and help for your niece, that she may obtain healing and strength from God.

Just a few minutes ago I received an email from someone who was diagnosed awhile back with cancer, and from that very day he immediately prayed to St Gemma asking for her help and intercession. He has gone through the usual treatments and today the physician has confirmed that he is cancer free.
Now, whether this is miraculous or not, God alone knows, but he attributes his healing to Saint Gemma.

I mention this because this story came into my inbox at the same time as your prayer request above.

In closing, I will be sure to pray for your niece. -Perhaps you can post her first name here, so others can join in prayer?

Union in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

Dear Glenn,
Hi,I just came across this site because my best friend Barry has a very serious vertebral disease,which I found out about today.I'm going to pray to St Gemma for him and ask her if she would heal him.The operation he must have could leave him crippled,so,I'm naturally worried for him.He has also been in a lot of pain.Is there any special novena to say to St Gemma,or does it matter how you pray to her?
Cindy

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Cindy,

It is nice to meet you. It is good to hear that you are praying for your friend Barry. I join you in prayer, asking God through the intercession of St Gemma, to heal him of his spinal problem.

Concerning special prayers, well of course the best prayer is from the heart. However, you mention a novena. Well, St Gemma herself was cured of her spinal disease after making a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
You can read about Gemma's miraculous cure here (if you have not already).

So, you could make a novena for Barry if you would like. I have a novena to St Gemma on this website...you will see it on the "prayers" section on the right side of the page. Whatever you do, the important thing is to pray from your heart, and God will surely hear your prayer and He will answer it according to His holy will. Countless people have discovered that often a simple prayer to God can obtain an extraordinary grace.

May God bless you and yours,
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

I have been coming across this beautiful saint over and over...I think she wanted me to get to know her better :) For almost 10 years, I've had severe back pain due to an injury at work. It's affecting my ability to care for my 2 babies, both under age 2. I'll be praying for St. Gemma's intercession.....
~Jessica S.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Dear Jessica,
I pray that St Gemma may obtain from God an improvement in your back condition. And may she help to lead you ever closer to her beloved Jesus.

May God bless you,
Glenn Dallaire

Glenn Dallaire said...

This was originally published in the "answered prayers" section, but since this concerns a answered prayer through the intercession of St Gemma for a back problem, I am also posting it here for those interested.
-----------------------

To:Glenn Dallaire

Date Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 2:50 AM
Subject Re: St. Gemma
mailed-byhctc.net

Glenn,

Thanks so much for the prayer cards. They were at my parents house on our arrival and I had them with us during our journey...

When I returned home, I lent the St. Gemma prayer cards, including the one with the relic, to my friend on the retreat team that I told you was having back problems. He is slightly older, maybe in his early 60's, and was still having considerable back pain so I lent him the cards for a week. On the following Tuesday, on my arrival to our meeting room, my friend about raced across the room to me with the cards in his hand saying "The pain in my back is gone". He said "It didn't just lessen slowly, it went away completely and immediately". All I could do is say "Thank you Lord and thank you St. Gemma".
Lastly, I say thank you Glenn.

Keep up the great work you do. And, of course, May God Bless You....
Jeff [Last name witheld]
Texas, USA

Anonymous said...

I have suffered from terrible back pain due to a work injury over 8 years ago. There has not been one day when I have not been in pain. I happened to google the following and then came upon this site :who is the patron saint of back pain?" I would greatly appreciate it if you would include me in your prayers. The doctors here do not know what to do for me. And all they do is give me pain killers. I strongly believe in the power of prayer and I will pray for everyone on this site as well. May God grant you all health and bless you abundantly. Amen.

Gillian Fernandez said...

I just posted the previous comment and then realized that St. Gemma was healed on March 3rd, which is the exact date that I suffered my back injury. I don't believe in coincidence and I believe that God has His own plan for each of us.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Dear Gillian Fernandez,
Thank you for your comments.
I offer my prayers for you and your intentions---May God strengthen and guide you, and may He draw you ever closer to Himself.
And may St Gemma be your special advocate and friend.
-St Gemma, pray for us!
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

I'm 22 weeks pregnant and I recently found out the baby has spina bifida. I've been looking for a patron saint to pray to for our baby girl. I know we can't change her diagnosis and I don't wish it to go away. Baby has a long road ahead of her and I pray for St. Gemma to watch over her as she goes through surgery after she is born and protect her.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Anonymous,
Thank you for your post.

St Gemma is without a doubt an excellent advocate for those who suffer with spinal problems, given all she herself suffered with her spinal disease, having to wear a back brace and having undergone a painful back operation with her spine cauterized in 12 places, which only made her worse, eventually ending up completely bedridden, until her miraculous cure.

I pray especially to St Gemma for you and your baby---may God give you strength and courage, and may He lead you ever closer to Himself.

And, may St Gemma be your special friend and advocate.
Union in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Glenn Dallaire

Roji said...

Roji

Saint Gemma please pray for my friend Remya(Jesus Youth),She is suffering with back pain

Anonymous said...

I, too, suffer from back pain. I am so thnakful I accidently found this wonderful saint. I will ask her to intercede for me for the relief of this pain.
I am also praying for all who have posted on this site.

Green Queen said...

Hi...my dog just pulled me down the basement and i slipped and hurt my back...St. Gemma Bless me!

Anonymous said...

I am grateful and blessed for receiving spirit daily.com by my dear spiritual brother Paul, my dear friend. While navigating I came across the divine story of saint gemma.
I too suffer from lower back pain due to an injury that occurred while I was working. I herniated a disk and have been suffering with trying to rehabilitate myself back to health.
I truly believe that our lord Jesus stands waiting for me to give myself Completely to himself that he may heal me.
I have always loved the blessed Trinity but there have been many times I have also gave my allegiance to the devil and turned my back literally on GOD! Now he stands at the door of my life, waiting patiently for my attention as HE has gotten
my attention through suffering.
The battle for my soul has intensified but I must, with urgancy, commit my ENTIRE self to the MASTER which holds before me fire and water, life and death and asks me with loving compassion, "WHICH OF THESE DO YOU CHOOSE MY CHILD"!

Anonymous said...

Approximately two weeks ago, I severely injured my lower back. The pain was so intense I had to gradually hold onto something to just get out of bed; couldn't bend down without a lot of pain and household chores were almost impossible. I went on line to search for patron saints of back injuries and/or pain and found
St. Gemma's name. I said the prayer she prayed several times, hoping her intercession would help me with the pain and speed my recovery.

I went to bed, got up in the middle of the night, not being able to sleep. Laid back down.
Did this several times. Finally, I realized the pain was reduced at least 75%! I never expected such quick, amazing help. To me, it is a miracle and had me in tears. My pain is still there, but vastly improved. I have sent a letter to our church's pastor, telling him of this.

I am so very grateful to St. Gemma and will do whatever I can to tell people about her. Thank you for your website.

P.S. I feel sorry for people who don't have faith; they are missing so much!

Anonymous said...

My lovely saint i will take you to be my patrone saint. I said this because the extent of my back bone problem has not reach the extent of four quater of your own and i now how de pain has been boring into me. Thank God for directing me towards dis cite. Heal me my lovely saint and rest of others

Anonymous said...

St Gemma pray for me to recover so that I can be normal again and so I don't have to tell my daughter no we can't do something because of my limitations. Please bless me and others suffering worse than me. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

St Gemma pray for my friend Robert in Minnesota who is suffering horroable back and hip pain. He is suffering so bad. Help him Thank you

Marcela said...

St Gemma pray for my niece who just underwent back surgery. She suffered severe trauma to her back, neck and brain in an automobile accident. She is in a lot of pain. Pray for her suffering to stop and for complete healing and recovery. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

St Gemma, please pray for my husband Sean! He is in a lot of pain because of unknown back nerve issues. He is trying so hard to act normal for the kids and me, but I know he is really suffering. I pray that we can pray together for his healing so he can be himself again. Thank you St. GEMMA.

Carol said...

Oooh! I got hurt at work a few months ago and the MRI showed some vertebral and disc dislocation. My back aches constantly, I'm walking like a camel, and my feet feel like they are on fire. I'm currently doing the Novena to the Little Flower, but out of curiosity I googled "patron saint of bad backs," and ended up with this link. I'm told I have excellent prospects for recovery with an operation, but "SPINE SURGERY" has been preoccupying my thoughts and causing a lot of fear. Is there a novena to Saint Gemma? I want her intercession to reassure me that in God's Holy Hands, all will be well!

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Carol,
It is nice to meet you. I am sorry to hear of your spinal injury. However I am glad to hear that Jesus has led you to St Gemma because in her you have found a heavenly friend who can sympathise with your back problems, given all she suffered in this regards.

I am sure too that you are inspired by her holy life and her great love for Jesus and Mary. As you have read, Gemma had a most extraordinary love for Jesus; her heart was all on fire with the love of Jesus and she expressed her love for Him so well in her writings. For as you have discovered Gemma is a very "lovable" Saint, and those who begin reading her life and writings (diary, autobiography, letters etc) soon become enraptured and are greatly inspired by this "Gem of Jesus", and many have found her to be a very powerful and devoted friend and heavenly advocate--especially those who like you suffer from spinal injuris/back problems, for as you have read in the article above (and elsewhere on the website) Gemma too suffered greatly during her long illness from a spinal disease, so she can certainly sympathise with what you are experiencing, for as you have read, she had a tunor at the base of her spine which affected her spinal fluid and the physicians thought she had spinal meningitis), anyway, she suffered incredible back pain and migraines and she wore a back brace for awhile, but she was eventually completely bedridden due to the progression of the spinal disease....in January 1898, the physicians cauterized her spine in 12 places, but this only made things worse. It came to a point in March where she was at the verge of death, her physician said she had only a short time left...but Jesus willed otherwise, and she was cured by Jesus on the first Friday of March (Sacred Heart) during which Jesus appeared to her, some of which is detailed in the article above, and also in some of the other articles on this website.

To reply to your question, yes, there is a Novena in honor of St Gemma--you can find it on the right hand column in the "Prayers/Novena" section on any page of this website.

In closing I pray that St Gemma may intercede and help you with you spinal injury, and may she lead you ever closer to Jesus.

-St Gemma, pray for us!
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

i just posted not realizing that st gemma was also the patron st of back pain. i was sitting at eh computer in excruciuating pain in my left ankle that i need surgery for and have no helath insurance but have suffered from back pain for yrs. i thank you for this site

Tammie said...

I was in a horrible car accident when I was 15 years old. I'm deaf in my left ear and have horrible back pain I deal with daily! The whole left side of my body has pain due to my spine pressing on nerves that mess up my left arm and leg. I have no insurance. There's nothing I can do for it. I lost my mother at such a young age and have wished she was here to help me with my two young children because I'm divorced and I have no help. I've had horrible temptation due to my pain. I converted 2 years ago and just came across this site last night. I was hit by a lady in her car this last Monday and it was a hit my body could not take. I'm in so much pain and lay here crying. This is who I'm asking to intercede for me.
I need my life back for my children's sake!

Glenn Dallaire said...


Hi Tammie,
I am very sorry to hear of the car accident and the injuries that you received from it, which unfortunately worsened the injuries that you already had.

I pray that St Gemma may intercede for you and may she obtain from Jesus healing and strength for you, that you may be able to continue to be a good mother for your children. I ask this in Jesus holy Name, AMEN +
-St Gemma, pray for us.

May God bless you and your loved ones,
Glenn Dallaire

FergusMcDopey said...

Thank you St. Gemma and Our Blessed Mother! I owe so much to you both! You Ladies and my beloved grandfather watch over me each and every day! GLORY BE!
- Fergus from NY, NY

Anonymous said...

Please st gemma hear my prayer and please answer it. Thank you.

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Anonymous said...

I would like to post a thank you to St. Gemma.
She has been answering my prayers for myself and my family for over a year now.
Everytime I pray I receive an answer. Especially this Saturday. I would like to thank her
For answering a request for my daughters future. Never has her responses been so
Clear and quick. She has brought a new confidence within my daughter and for myself
A deep grtitude to a new found friend.
Thank you for everything St. Gemma!

Anonymous said...

I have been living with severe neck and back pain for three year's from a car accident. Tonight it has been so bad I have been in tears from the pain. Please hear may prayers Saint. Gemma, and intercede on my behalf. I am so tired and depressed that because of this constant pain my children no longer have a "whole" happy and active Mommy. Pray for me Saint Gemma..... ♥

Glenn Dallaire said...

May Jesus answer the prayers of all who visit here. In Jesus holy Name, AMEN +
-St Gemma, pray for us!

Kathy said...

My friend informed me of St Gemma, I am pleading for relief of back pain and leg pain.
Please St Gemma - pray for me.
I will pray for everyone on the website enduring pain.
Thank you, Saint Gemma.

Be Not Afraid said...

St Gemma, through your prayers, may the Lord find me worthy of relief from my back pain.

Maria Soto said...

I learned of St Gemma through a dear friend who suffers of back pain. I join in prayer for everyone else who does and for my good friend Jennifer. I also suffer from back pain due to an accident. May Jesus pray for all those in pain and grant them relief. God Bless

Anonymous said...

Glenn sir..hello...i m suffering with the same diease which st. Gemma was suffering...after reading her story i could fully relate with it since even i have undergone spine surgery and have to wear spinal brace similar to one shown in this website. Coincidently i was searching for miracle stories by people cured by back problem and came across this link. I think it was god`s wish for me to know about st. Gemma and her miraculous cures. Even i m suffering from pott`s spine and wish that st. Gemma showers her blessing on me and cures me....
I pray to st. Gemma to bestow her blessings on me and cure me
Regards,
Purva h.

Glenn Dallaire said...


Dear Purva H.,

Thank you for your comments.

I am very sorry to hear of your spinal disease and the suffering that this has caused you--I pray that Jesus may strengthen you and may He heal you, if such is His holy will.

I am glad however to hear that Jesus has led you to St Gemma because in her you have found a heavenly friend who can sympathise with your back problems, given all she suffered in this regards. For as you have read in the article above, Gemma too suffered greatly during her long illness from a spinal disease, so she can surely sympathise with what you are experiencing. She suffered excruciating back pain and migraines and was eventually completely bedridden due to the progression of her spinal disease, until her miraculous cure by Jesus (which you can read elsewhere on this website, if you have not already)

In the end, whether you are healed or not depends on the holy will of God, for He arranges everything for the good of our souls, and those of our loved ones.

I can assure you that if you continue to pray to St Gemma, she will always be very close to you, and will help you in your sufferings, and she will obtain many, many graces for you from Jesus and Mary.

I pray that Jesus may strengthen and bless you, and may St Gemma intercede for you and help you in all of your ways; in both your spiritual and material needs. In Jesus holy Name, AMEN +

Union in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
-Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

Do you know of a novena to St. Gemma?

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Anonymous,
Yes, there is a Novena to St Gemma on this website. Just scroll down on the column to the right---->
and look for the section entitled "Prayers/Novena/Mass"

-OR-...
you can just do a Google search for "St Gemma Novena" and the novena from this website will be the first one to show up.

-Best wishes and may God bless you and your loved ones,
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

Thank you Glenn Dallaire or the Novena information. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

I have been suffering from spine pain for many years. I underwent cervical spine surgery in 2001 and I am facing a second cervical spine discectomy and fusion in nine days.

A dear friend of mine recommended that I look up the Saint for back illness and pray to that saint and to do a novena.

I am not Catholic, nor do I attend church.I am a strong believer in God and pray often. Last night was my first prayer to Saint Gemma. I awoke from a dream in the middle of the night...it was so beautiful and felt so incredibly real that I did not ever want to awake.

I dreamt that there was a single white dove resting on my lap or chest and I was petting its beautiful SOFT feathers and at the same time I remember the feeling of being held or hugged like spooning.. Someone was laying behind me with his arms wrapped around me and the name John came to me which is the name of my deceased father and also an x boyfriend that I have not seen in over 20 years.

I do not ever remember seeing or reading anything relating to white doves before in my life. I know that two white doves are significant in symbolism of love.

What can this all mean?? Tonight I will start my novena to Saint Gemma. I have new found hope and faith.

God Bless,
Connie

Glenn Dallaire said...

Hi Connie,
Thanks for sharing the story of the grace that you received during your dream. I pray that St Gemma may be very close to you, and may she obtain from Jesus the healing of your spine. I pray this in Jesus holy Name, AMEN +

May Jesus bless you and your loved ones,
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

I just found out that a older Catholic friend of mine needed a second surgery on his lower back. Finding St. Gemma and her "beautiful" inspiring story will be of good comfort to him in his rehabilitation and recovery,if it be God's divine will!! Keith is his name and I'm asking all people of faith to pray for him, he has a good heart.
Anon, and peace of Christ be with you!

Anonymous said...

I have also heard that St. Gemma is the patron saint of headaches/migraines. I have been suffering from chronic migraines for 5 years now. I have explored many treatment options at this stage, and nothing seems to work long term. Coincidentally, I am a neurosurgery PA and spine surgery is our specialty. We really do try and help as many people as we can, but sometimes people are left with chronic pain after fusions and reconstructions. I will pray that St Gemma guides my hands in surgery, and that she also gives me the compassion that I need to take care of my patients. I will also ask for her intercession to help me with my migraines, so I can continue to help others. Regardless, I am still very blessed!! My prayers go out to all those suffering from chronic pain!
God's blessings to everyone, and may the Holy Spirit always be in your hearts!

Abel said...

Thank you for sharing with us. Good article.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Have been suffering from severe back pain for almost 6 months now. Something about reading this gives me the courage that St. Gemma will not leave me suffering for long and God almighty has plans for my pain.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord, Please send the Holy Spirit to guide me in knowing the right thing to do for my daughter. She has so many challenges to face (scoliosis, learning disabilities, anxiety). Give us strength to know and accept your will.

Anonymous said...

St. Gemma please guide my mother who is suffering immense pain. It is difficult for her not to feel punished for so much has happened to her. Please be there. God bless.

Anonymous said...

St gemma please take away all my pains im suffering with this in ages I need your help please amen.

Anonymous said...

O, Most Holy St Gemma, I plead with you to heal my waist pains now and for ever more and give me perfect health now and for ever more, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen.

Okwy said...

O SAINT GEMMA, PLEASE INTERCEED FOR ME FOR THE HEALING OF THE PAINS ON MY LOWER SPINE

Anonymous said...

Saint Gemma, please intercede today for complete healing with greatest speed of my husbands spinal cord injury 15 months ago. And may our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified

Anonymous said...

St Gemma, intercede on my behalf and ask to heal my back pain. In the name of the father, son and holy spirit. Amen.

Unknown said...

I am terminally ill and have been told my spine is collapsing and snapping my spinal cord in process and because of where it's snapping there us virtually no chance of survival, my worst nightmare is to be left in a bed like a vegetable with only limited movement in my neck. I have just found out about St Gemma and I will add her to my prayers every night and on Sundays when my parish priest comes to pray with me and give me communion. Reading all your stories has given me hope and I would like to thank you all for that. God bless you all x

Glenn Dallaire said...


Hi Andre,
I prayed for you this morning at Mass that St Gemma may intercede for you and obtain healing for you, if such would be God's holy will. And I pray that she may lead you ever closer to Jesus. May Jesus strengthen and guide you, and may He bless you and your loved ones. Amen +
-Glenn Dallaire

marlene said...

Thank you Gemma and bryan for sending this too me. Much love

Anonymous said...

Please pray for My WIfe, Trena and I. We have hit some hard times. A long time diagnosing autoimmune disease has played a role in our struggles. I love my wife and we need all the prayers we can get to help her, us and our family.

Glenn Dallaire said...


Hi James,
I am sorry to hear of the health struggles that you and your wife are undergoing. I pray that Jesus may strengthen and heal your wife. In Jesus holy Name, AMEN +
May God bless you and your loved ones,
Glenn Dallaire

Unknown said...

Dear sisters
I am 42 years old and living with my mother just because I have no stability to work for the last 13 years. I am short tempered and my wife left me and we are living separately for five years and she taken daughter with her.
I need holy spirit to be strong to love all even if it my enemy.
I need financial growth in my career to do my responsibilities.
I need humility.
Please pray for my past wrong life and for the mercy of Jesus upon my life, job, family and in social life. Also pray for my knee and back pain very rarely some day may come and go.

Barbara said...

Please, St. Gemma, I beg your intercession for the neck/arm and upper and lower back/leg pain I've suffered with for 25 years, the back and knee pain my husband suffers, and the suffering of the whole world. As always, I offer up my suffering as beautiful, sweet roses to the Most Sacred and Enflamed Heart of Jesus and His beloved Virgin Mother, Mary, our Queen of Heaven and Earth. Thank you, St. Gemma, please be with us always.🙏

Anonymous said...

Gemma was not cured. She died of tuberculosis in 1903 at only 25 years old.

Glenn Dallaire said...


To Anonymous above:
Your premise is faulty and illogical. What you are saying is the same as saying that none of the people that Jesus cured in the gospels were actually cured, because they all died sometime later. Healings/cures are only for a time--God cares and concerns Himself primarily with one's immortal soul.

May God bless you and your loved ones.
Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

I have suffered horrible back pain for 28 years and as I get older it only gets worse. Please pray that I may get some relief. Thank you.

Saint in Training said...

Dear Glenn,
What a gift your websites are!
May you be blessed in the name of Jesus for this is truly a labor of love.

Through the Holy Spirit, I have recently come to understand that St Gemma has been a heavenly friend to me throughout my life.
And your site has provided me with such a wonderful resource, without which I may not have had the opportunity to learn so much about the little passionflower. I'm so grateful and now ask her to pray with me everyday.
I thank you for your efforts with all of my heart,
love,
Your sister in Christ

PS. I would love to know your thoughts on St Philomena

Glenn Dallaire said...


Hi "Saint in training",
Thank you for your comments. It is great to hear from you. And thank you for sharing a bit of your spiritual journey with us. As for St Philomena, how could one not love her? And, when I think of St Philomena, I can't help but think of St John Vianney's (the Cure of Ars) tender devotion to her.

I am happy to hear of your devotion to St Gemma and that you are enjoying the "St Gemma Galgani" website! I hope that you continue to find the stories in the life of Gemma to be edifying and inspiring, and may St Gemma be very close to you and may she lead you ever closer to Jesus and Mary!

May God bless you and your loved ones,
Glenn Dallaire

Kevin Bordeleau said...

Hello Glenn.
I find myself looking through your website again, as I have had it bookmarked for a long while since I found it a few years back.
Concerning St Gemma as a patron saint of back sufferers and healing through her intercession, I just wanted to tell a brief story.
I suffer lots of pain from many broken bones in my left hip & leg, in a bad motorcycle accident years ago. I have lots of metal in me with rods and screws. I also have back pain going on 35 years now. I was on painkillers 24/7 and fentanyl pain patches and was addicted, but now quit them. I don't remember the last time I ever slept 8 hours non-stop. My nights are usually 4,5,to 6 hours of sleep per night, always awakened. One night my back was in so much pain and it was very late and could not sleep, I was at the point of tears. I got up and prayed to St Gemma to please take my pain away and get me to very much needed sleep. I went back to bed and fell right asleep.(I can lay in bed for hours till I fall asleep)I woke up in the morning and I did not feel a single pain throughout my entire body. My back, leg, hip and other parts were completely painless. I got up thinking it was 7:00 am like usual. I looked at the clock and it was 11 AM! I must of slept at least over 10 hours without waking up once.
I still have the pain every day & night, and accept these pains, but I have prayed again on the bad nights and she is always there to help me through again.
Thanks St Gemma.

Glenn Dallaire said...


Hi Kevin,
Its great to hear from you. Thank you for sharing the story of St Gemma's intercession in your life here. I pray that St Gemma may always be very close to you and may she always be your advocate and heavenly friend.
-St Gemma, pray for us!

Glenn Dallaire

Anonymous said...

St. Gemma, please have mercy and pray for the relief of my neck pain (3 herniated discs from two car accident in the line of duty) and lesser low back pain (3 other herniated discs from same accident). I lost two careers and am in chronic pain and suffering from insomnia ... Am also alone and have no one in this world...

Anonymous said...

My teen aged daughter has had scoliosis since she was 6 and spent many many challenging years wearing a back brace. A couple years ago, although she was done wearing her back brace, she chose Gemma as her confirmation name since because of the connection to the spine. She had originally wanted a saint associated with dance because that is a big part of her life, but Vitus was a man. So she then searched for the saint of back's and found Gemma. It was either divine or coincidence because Gemma was a favorite name of hers that she said she'd love to name a child. We had no idea she was also a saint. Furthermore her beautification and canonization dates match birthdays of people in our family and she was born in a town that our ancestors came from (and some apparently still live). Now my daughter is facing major spine surgery...I am glad I found this website to remind me that we can pray to St. Gemma as my daughter goes through this journey.

Toni Flores Najjar said...

I just learned of St. Gemma today by googling for a friend with severe back pain and upcoming surgery.
I have back pain as well and will pray for her intercession on my behalf.
Thank you for this site. God bless you all.

Unknown said...

Always thanksto St.Gemma for her intercession and healing.

Unknown said...

St henna please intercede on my daughter js behalf for healing and straigthening of her spine, may she never require surgury and have a pain free life. I pray that her spine cirve will never increase more than what it is now in jesus name

Anonymous said...

St. Gemma, Please intercede on behalf of my boyfriend who just learned he has a tumor in his lower spine. This is a preliminary diagnosis. I pray in Jesus name also for Healing and Blessings for this wonderful man as is willed by God. Thank you!

Demetriusf said...

Oh St.Gemma and Gabriel Possenti my friend Areanna Cordova has a tumor on her back i pray your intersition to help her comes to be healed.Amen in Jesus name..

Bill said...

May St. Gemma intercede on our behalf. For all those who suffer from neck and back pain.

Anonymous said...

I pray those with back pain or illnesses become well with the healing power Jesus and the devoted St. Gemma.

Unknown said...

Please include my daughter in your prayers. Her name is Clare Mariño, she is 8. We just came from the doctor yesterday and confirmed that she has scoliosis. Also please pray for as parents as we need funds to buy her brace. Thanks and God bless us all.

Anonymous said...

I come here this morning because of sciatica. I'd never heard of St. Gemma before, but right now I'm praying that I may be as humble and accepting of my pain as Gemma was, and that I might offer my small sufferings to Jesus, who took all sin and suffering upon himself that we might live forever. All praise and glory be to Christ Jesus, the eternal son of the living God!

Unknown said...

I am blessed to have come to know about the Gift of St Gemma.This is as a result of my search for the Patron Saint of muscle/back pains that have tormented me for close to 12 months now.
I am now embarking on praying for the intercession of St Gemma, for full recovery

Patrick elam said...

The most important thing Teaching me how to love Jesus More💓 Teach me more about purity; So many things to learn from you gemma♡Thank you dear Lord💓

Vin said...

Dear Saint Gemma and Saint Gabriel Possenti I am praying an intention to both of you asking for favorable request and your intercession and asking you to please give my Mother Anecita Agot Plaza a MIRACLE. I am asking you for the TOTAL COMPLETE HEALING of my mother who is suffering from Pancreatic Mass Malignant from her pancreas and other parts of her body right now. Please Have MERCY on her. Please TAKE AWAY, MELT AWAY, AND WIPEOUT FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH her Pancreatic Mass Malignant in her pancreas and other parts of her body. For this I want to THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. Please be with us always. This I ask through our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer. Through The Intercession of St Gemma Galgani: Patron Saint of back pain & spinal illnesses disorders. SAINT OF THE PASSION OF JESUS And St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows: The Patron Saint of miracles. I offer up her suffering as beautiful, sweet roses to the Most Sacred and Enflamed Heart of Jesus and His beloved Virgin Mother, Mary, our Queen of Heaven and Earth. In the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN🙏

crzsabas said...

Good Morning and thank you all for this wonderful site.


A recent family vacation had included a visit to the ARchabbey of Saint Meinrad in southern Indiana. Earlier that day, in their gift shop, I had learned that St. Gemma of Galgani was the patron saint of back pain. After a suddeen onset of back pain symptoms, my son Googled St. Gemma and as my family laid hands on me and prayed I wondered prayerfully if I should make friends with Gemma and get her involved in my ongoing recovery from various back-related things.

Now I"m home, taking a sick day, fasting and praying, and learning about my new "coach" St. Gemma. I don't mean to be disrespectful by thinking of her this way: anyone who learns the first thing about her life can never disrespect her. I only mean to indicate how much I hope she will closely advise me, minute by minute, as I make the choices I daily make. Asking St. Gemma to "coach" me is an expression of my admitted need for intense, intimate help with my mind and spirit as well as my body.


This morning, googling St. Gemma, I remembered the Scripture from James about anyone lacksing wisdom let him ask God for it, and He is gracious and just to provide it. The Holy Spirit pointed out that Jesus has healed me many times in the past, with and without doctors and meds, and indeed is constantly healing me all the time regardless of my awareness of it. If I have back pain right now, He's choosing to allow me the opportunities afforded by this back pain so I had better not waste them. St. Gemma's example is a reminder that it can be a blessing if I choose to be blessed by it and bless others by it.

I"m also happy to learn that St. Gemma is the patron of pharmacists. She didn't need a heavenly perspective to understand the simple truth that meds arren't perfect but they aare what we have here on earth, and we are able to accept them as gifts provided by God.

THis has been a long post, so I'll conclude by saying that I've asked Jesus if it's ok to have St. Gemma as a new, knowledgeable friend who can help me make daily deciwions that will affect my health. I would like her to help me follow her example of loving Jesus most of all and of serving others in His name, by any means available.

Thanks for your patience with my long post. I will post an update if God allows.

Glenn Dallaire said...

Dear crzsabas,
Thanks for sharing your story here. May God bless you and your loved ones and may St Gemma be close to you and lead you ever closer to Jesus and Mary.
-Glenn

Annette said...

Today, I will be undergoing several MRI’s for my lower back and pelvis, and I would like to ask for pray, and also guidance from St. Gemma, as I just googled and found this website. How wonderful to read all these precious comments! All of you give me hope! I was not aware of St. Gemma, and also her ability to pray for us when we experience attacks of impurity. I feel mentally attacked by evil thoughts, and keep a rosary and holy water with me every night, as my lower back is in the most pain when I lay down at night. May God have mercy on me, and may St. Gemma pray for me for healing and to be able to deal with all of this, and also for deliverance from these evil attacks on my mind. THANK YOU for publishing this website and for your thoughtful prayers for all of us! ❤️♥️

Anonymous said...

Good day!

Yesterday after my morning walk I visited my mom and while having a chat with her I felt pain in my back, my mom who is 85yrs was asking me to talk about all the famous saints here in the Philippines so I tried googling the names of saints and I chanced of seeing Saint Gemma and realized it is ironic that I saw that there is a patron saint of back illness, since yesterday I can’t stand straight and can only walk slow because of the pain, can you please include me in your prayers that I may return to normal and free me from the back that I’m experiencing.

Thank you and God bless..
Carlos from Philippines

Anonymous said...

So do I, am Ebochuo Bridget. A priest just sent a Novena prayer of St Gemma to us now, I constantly have back pains and I pray to my patron Saint Gemma to intercede for me for God to heal me, amen.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this website. I am a father of 5 and have had on and off back problems for twenty years. I’ve been laid up the last 4 days and using the time to strengthen my faith. Asking St Gemma to intercede for a complete healing of my back. I would like to get back to providing for my family and trying to alleviate the sufferings of others. We are at a time when Christians need to bring the lost hope in Christ

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