The claims
Each entry pairs a reported miracle with the documentary record and an honest, confidence-labeled estimate of how likely it is that no natural explanation accounts for it.
Each entry pairs a reported miracle with the documentary record and an honest, confidence-labeled estimate of how likely it is that no natural explanation accounts for it.
9 claims
Italian laywoman Gemma Galgani (1878–1903) received visible stigmata weekly from 1899 until 1901, witnessed by her spiritual director and household members, though a physician found no wound beneath the surface blood.
Italian laywoman Gemma Galgani (1878–1903) received visible stigmata weekly from 1899 until 1901, witnessed by her spiritual director and household members, though a physician found no wound beneath the surface blood.
French mystic Marthe Robin (1902–1981) reportedly lived without food or water for over fifty years, sustained only by the Eucharist, but declined all controlled medical testing and remains contested by Church investigators and historians.
French mystic Marthe Robin (1902–1981) reportedly lived without food or water for over fifty years, sustained only by the Eucharist, but declined all controlled medical testing and remains contested by Church investigators and historians.
Modern dermatology and psychiatry have identified several plausible mechanisms — psychogenic purpura, hematidrosis, Gardner-Diamond syndrome, and deliberate self-infliction — that can produce stigmata-like wounds without supernatural causation.
Modern dermatology and psychiatry have identified several plausible mechanisms — psychogenic purpura, hematidrosis, Gardner-Diamond syndrome, and deliberate self-infliction — that can produce stigmata-like wounds without supernatural causation.
From 1973 to 1981 in Akita, Japan, a wooden statue of Mary in a convent reportedly wept, bled, and perspired on 101 occasions, with fluids analyzed by a forensic specialist as human in origin.
From 1973 to 1981 in Akita, Japan, a wooden statue of Mary in a convent reportedly wept, bled, and perspired on 101 occasions, with fluids analyzed by a forensic specialist as human in origin.
Padre Pio's body was exhumed in 2008, found in good condition, but chemical analysis revealed it had been treated with high-concentration formalin, creosote, benzoic acid, and turpentine — deliberate embalming, not miraculous preservation.
Padre Pio's body was exhumed in 2008, found in good condition, but chemical analysis revealed it had been treated with high-concentration formalin, creosote, benzoic acid, and turpentine — deliberate embalming, not miraculous preservation.
Italian Capuchin friar Francesco Forgione (Padre Pio) bore visible wounds on his hands, feet, and side for approximately fifty years, examined by multiple physicians who reached contradictory conclusions.
Italian Capuchin friar Francesco Forgione (Padre Pio) bore visible wounds on his hands, feet, and side for approximately fifty years, examined by multiple physicians who reached contradictory conclusions.
Rita of Cascia, patron of impossible causes, died in 1457; her body has been on display for nearly 600 years, with documented medical examinations in 1743 and 1892 noting repairs to the face using wax and string — indicating partial deterioration.
Rita of Cascia, patron of impossible causes, died in 1457; her body has been on display for nearly 600 years, with documented medical examinations in 1743 and 1892 noting repairs to the face using wax and string — indicating partial deterioration.
Francis of Assisi reportedly received the five wounds of Christ at Mount La Verna in September 1224, documented by contemporaries including Thomas of Celano and witnessed by brothers who saw the marks on his body before and after his death.
Francis of Assisi reportedly received the five wounds of Christ at Mount La Verna in September 1224, documented by contemporaries including Thomas of Celano and witnessed by brothers who saw the marks on his body before and after his death.
Bavarian mystic Therese Neumann (1898–1962) claimed to have lived without food or water from 1922 until her death, sustained only by the Eucharist, and bore visible stigmata from 1926; a 1927 medical observation produced ambiguous results she later refused to repeat.
Bavarian mystic Therese Neumann (1898–1962) claimed to have lived without food or water from 1922 until her death, sustained only by the Eucharist, and bore visible stigmata from 1926; a 1927 medical observation produced ambiguous results she later refused to repeat.