Saint Gem of Goriano Sicoli, virgin

Saint Gem of Goriano Sicoli: A Divine Inspiration

Saint Gema of Goriano Sicoli was born in San Sebastiano, to a poor but devout family, in 1385. When she was still a child, her family moved to Goriano Sicoli (then called Gordianum), where Gema spent her childhood as a shepherdess, taking care of the small flock of sheep that his parents owned.

Just like Saint Gem of Lucca, God also gave her extraordinary beauty, which was united with virtue and modesty, and her beauty was not an obstacle for her, but rather a path to her perfection.

One day in 1393, the proud and stubborn Count Ruggieri of Celano saw her and tried to seduce her. She was not frightened and reprimanded him with such strong words that he was embarrassed and wanted to apologize for his rude approach. She asked him to build her an addition to the church of San Giovanni in Goriano Sicoli, a small room with a small window from which she could see the altar and participate in Holy Mass.

So she asked and received permission from her father to live in this poor little room as an anchoress, praying and atoning for her own and others' sins.

The people of the city soon recognized her extraordinary sacrifice and holiness and began to seek her out for advice of all kinds, and to be guided by the “Saint”, as they called her.

Living this angelic life of love for God and sacrifice for 42 years straight, she died on May 13, 1439, and at the moment of her death, bells were heard throughout the valley, as if it were a great celebration. The people of the city developed a cult in her honor, piously remembering the “Virgin of Goriano Sicoli”.

Due to the devotion of the people, the local bishop opened his canonization process and, years later, his remains were removed in the presence of the Bishop of Sulmona, Guidalotti Perugino. To everyone's surprise, her remains were found miraculously incorrupt, and everyone present was edified and saw this as a sign of God's presence in the “Virgin of Goriano Sicoli”.

A privileged tomb was built in his honor inside the church of San Giovanni, and sick people began to go there to be healed. Then in 1613 a church was built in his name over the old church of San Giovanni and in 1818 again a new church was completed.

The Holy Gem of Goriano Sicoli is remembered today as an example of faith and devotion and is a symbol of hope for those who wish to get closer to God.

Source: www.stgemmagalgani.com