Raised to the Altar
God Exalts the Humble
The Church authorities began to study Gemma’s life in 1917 and she was beatified in 1933 by Pope Pius XI. The decree approving the miracles for canonization was read March 26th, 1939- Passion Sunday. Gemma Galgani was canonized on May 2nd, 1940 by Pope Pius XII, only thirty-seven years after her death.
There is a verse from Dante’s poem (Paradise, c. XXX, 19-21) in which supernatural beauty is admirably recalled and exalted. (2.) It also aptly fits the little Gem of Christ, true Beatrice, in whom the Lord was so pleased to adorn for His very own:
The beauty I beheld transcendeth
measure
Not only past or reach, but surely I believe
That only He who made it enjoyeth it complete.
St. Gemma Galgani Pray For Us
September 4, 1923 A.D. Solemn Translation presided over by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Monsignor Anthony Torrini Archbishop of Lucca from the cemetery of Lucca to the Chapel of the cloistered Passionist Nuns; the precious relics were solemnly exposed in the Cathedral for three days.
