Saint Gemma Galgani
Also known as: Flower of Lucca; Gemma Galani; Maria Gemma Umberta Pia Galgani; Virgin of Lucca
Saint
Post-Congregation
Feast Day
April 11
Born
March 12, 1878
Died
April 11, 1903
Canonized
2 May 1940 by Pope Pius XII
Beatified
14 May 1933 by Pope Pius XI
Biography
Saint Gemma Galgani, also known as the Flower of Lucca, was born on 12 March 1878 in Borgo Nuovo di Camigliano, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. She was the eldest daughter of a poor pharmacist, but her life was marked by tragedy. Her mother passed away when Gemma was only seven years old, and her father died when she turned eighteen, leaving her with the responsibility of caring for her seven younger siblings....