Perhaps one of the most controversial or confusing connections with the Shroud has to due with the stigmata. The stigmata is an experience that certain individuals have where they actual experience the wounds of Christ, either invisibly (the pain only), or visibly (actual wounds/blood profusion/etc. occurs). Despite the immense pain that is involved for the individual that experiences this phenomenon, it is overall a deep spiritual experience. A stigmatist has a profound connection with the sufferings of Christ on the cross and partakes in Christ's sufferings as penance, as prayer for others, and as a witness to the world of Christ's glory. It should be noted that throughout history, there are many stigmatists that were frauds and have been proven so through medical science. However, there are many still that medical science can give no explanation. Some of these stigmatists have had the visible wounds appear before others. These are among the stigmatists that have been considered to be authentic, their lives were lived according to the model of Jesus who did not seek self-interest in their condition, but gave witness to the world and proclaimed by their lives, "This is my body, given up for you."
Some of the most famous stigmatists include St. Francis of Assisi, St. Padre Pio, and others. Since the purpose of this page is not to give biographies of different stigmatists, but rather, to discuss how it relates to the Shroud, I would like to refer you to Michael Freze's book below for more information on the lives, history, and other information of stigmatists and stigmata.
Connection to the Shroud:
Obvious connections can be drawn from the visible wounds of stigmatists and the Shroud. If the Shroud is authentic, and certain stigmatists are also authentic, then the wounds should all appear in the exact location (in particular the hand/wrist wounds). However, this is not the case. The Shroud shows the wounds in the wrist region, but most stigmatists experience the wounds in the palm of the hand. One could only logically draw two conclusions with these facts, either the stigmatists or the Shroud are not authentic, or some other meaning needs to be clarified.
Looking into the Stigmatists’ Stories:
Before we can begin to pass judgment on the Shroud based on the location of the wounds of stigmatists, we must look into the stories of several stigmatists, particularly how it relates to the Shroud and the location of the hand wounds. If one is inclined to believe that the stigmatists are authentic, then one must also believe in the authenticity of the statements stigmatists make with regards to their gift of the stigmata. Of the most notable is the statement of stigmatist Therese Neumann (1898-1962, from Germany). One of her friends recounted what she had to say about her stigmata and the wounds of Jesus, “Do not think that our Savior was nailed in the hands, where I have my stigmata. These marks have only a mystical meaning. Jesus must have been fixed more firmly on the cross” (A Doctor at Calvary, Dr. Pierre Barbet: Image Books, Doubleday and Company). In fact, the visions of the stigmatists, when they see the way Christ was tortured and crucified, often match up exactly to what we see on the Shroud.
By taking this statement as true, one must begin to realize the meaning behind the stigmata. One is not given the stigmata in order to reveal the exact location of the wounds of Christ, but one is given the stigmata to witness to the world the saving power of Christ, and to be drawn up into the suffering love that He has for His creation. The fact that the stigmata does not appear in the wrist region does not threaten the wounds seen on the Shroud, for each of them show us something different and have different purposes.
Furthermore, it makes sense that the wounds of the Stigmata appear in the hand region and not the wrist region, it seems to confirm how God operates. In order to understand this, one must open their minds a bit. Throughout the history of the world, there have been several apparitions of the Blessed Mother Mary. These apparitions and their effects (miracles, healings, conversions, and supernatural phenomena) have been witnessed by countless thousands, perhaps millions, of people throughout history. However, in each instance, when God allows Mary to appear on earth, she does so by appearing in the likeness of the culture whom she goes to. Whether it by Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, Mejugorie, or Lasallete, she has always appeared dressed and with the racial and ethnic characteristics of the people she visits. This is no mistake. God created us, He communicates to us in ways we are most apt to understand. When sending Mary to the world, she assumes the appearance and the culture of the people that she is sent to. This is so that they will respond to the often unexpected message that calls people to the plan of her Son. We are able to identify to a supernatural message better, and easier, when it is at least put into a cultural medium that we can at least somewhat relate to or expect.
When it comes to the stigmata, it makes sense that the wounds would appear in the hand region. Culturally, that is what we expect. Most art of the crucifixion depicts this type of nailing, without research, and a particular interest in this area few people would expect, or may even realize nail markings that would appear in the wrist region. Their significance (a mystical and spiritual witness) would possibly be lost.
While this is a short treatment of the subject of the stigmata, I hope it gives you, the reader something to ponder. A more extensive, and well written, study of the Stigmata, including it’s relation to the Shroud, can be found in Michael Freze’s book, “They Bore the Wounds of Christ” printed by Our Sunday Visitor (complete book information is found on the Resources/Links page).
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