Before being elected Pope, on 2 March 1939 (which was his sixty-third birthday), Eugenio Pacelli was Cardinal Priest of Saints John and Paul, the Roman Basilica administered by the Passionists. As Pope Pius XII, one of his early acts, just three weeks after his election, was to approve the decree regarding the miracles for the canonisation of Gemma Galgani, whose cause was also administered by the Passionists. He celebrated her canonisation on 2 May 1940, at what seems to have been the first canonisation of his pontificate (Experts can correct me on this if necessary). Here is a picture from the canonisation.
Two years later, Pius had an altar in honour of Saint Gemma built in his former titular Basilica; as you enter Saints John and Paul, it is the first altar on the left-hand side. Here is a picture of the altar with an inscription recording the name of the illustrious donor.
And here is the stained glass window over the altar, above which is the Coat of Arms of Pope Pius XII. (Unfortunately, it was too dark for me to photograph the Coat of Arms.)
The link between the Passionists and Saint Gemma has already been referred to on this Blog. Most people know that her tomb is in Lucca, but did you know that her heart is in Madrid? It was given to the Sanctuary of Saint Gemma in Madrid by the Superior General of the Passionists some years ago (with the consent of the Holy See, of course). At Saints John and Paul, they still have one of the best known relics of Saint Gemma – her little black cape, seen in all the photographs – and one of her most fascinating relics – the journal in her own hand which is said to have been burned by the devil. Here they are.
The Cape:
And the Book:
Thank you for the nice pictures of St. Gemma Galgani articles. She has been my favorite Saint for years.
Union in the hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Glenn
Hello.
I have been looking a long time for a book “The Letters of St Gemma Galgani” published in English by the Passsionists in 1941 and 1943.
I would gladly make a very generous donation in advance to the Community who would be willing to offer such a copy.
If you have any information about where I might find this book, please feel free to contact me at this email address. gdallaire1@gmail.com
Thank you and may God bless you.
Glenn Dallaire
YES, I AGREE, THESE ARE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES AND WONDERFUL INFORMATION. ST. GEMMA IS NOT ONLY MY PATRON SAINT, BUT SHE HAS ANSWERED A PRAYER FOR ME AND WE NAMED OUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER AFTER HER. THANK YOU. AMY
Such wonderful news. This is a day for rejoicing
Dear Glenn, please let me know where to send my new change of address…..I would like to up-date my address on your mailing list…thank you, Theresa