Invisible Stigmata

[Ellenita]

I read somewhere recently that St Rose of Lima had invisible stigmata. I know about stigmata, but what is 'invisible stigmata' and how can it be verified?

Thank you.

[BLAZEr]

The Stigmata (visible or invisible) is a physical manifestation of a spiritual reality. That is, all stigmata are first and foremost spiritual occurences. The person suffering with the stigmata does so primarily in their soul. This does not mean that they do not have physical effects from this, on the contrary, most experience excruciating pain and soreness. Some who suffer with the stigmata also experience the physical effects of the stigmata (open wounds, bleeding) and many also experience preternatural phenomena as well (odor of sanctity).

Padre Pio, when he first received his stigmata, asked Christ to hide these wounds from the world, since he felt so unworthy to bear them. For one year, the stigmata that St. Pio bore were invisible. After on year, Christ asked him to bear them publicly.

St. Rose, it is said, also bore the stigmata, but that she bore them invisibly all of her life. She suffered silently, only revealing the nature of her suffering to her Spiritual directore and her superior.

There would be no way to "prove" that invisible stigmata were actually there. In fact, even when the stigmata are visible, science is hard pressed to prove that they aren't self-inflicted. In the end, accepting the invisible stigmata is an act of faith.

[Renfred]

Invisible stigmata is often a private matter between God and  the person involved.

The person receiving stigmata can sometimes be asked not to relay the happening at  all unless at some point a request to pass on the gift  is made.

Actual physical connections by person , mail, or other are also possible and have happened. Nothing is beyond the Lord's power. NOTHING!

Persons receiving the stigmata are most often nobodies in the general world or religious life.