Stigmata (plural of stigma) refers to the physical manifestations of the wounds of Jesus Christ, typically appearing on the hands, feet, and side, where he was crucified. It is a religiously charged term, often associated with deep faith and spiritual experiences. While most commonly discussed within Christianity, the concept of experiencing physical pain mirroring a religious figure's suffering can be observed, or claimed to be observed, across different faiths or secular settings. The term can also be used more broadly to signify marks of disgrace, or of being marked out.
Stigmata meaning with examples
- The devout nun was said to bear the stigmata on her wrists, bleeding profusely during Holy Week, a testament to her unwavering faith and communion with Christ's suffering. This profound experience isolated her, as many in the church found the concept difficult to reconcile with modern theological interpretations, whilst others praised her for her devotion.
- The film explored the psychological toll of a young woman's experience with stigmata, as she began to exhibit physical wounds mirroring the crucifixion, while dealing with questions of her faith and facing medical examinations. The narrative blurred the line between genuine divine intervention and the power of the mind, a complex concept for many.
- Despite medical examinations, the stigmata on the saint's hands seemed to defy explanation, bleeding regularly without any discernible physical cause. This apparent miracle solidified her followers' belief in her holiness, while simultaneously attracting the scrutiny of skeptics, eager to debunk the claimed phenomena.
- The historical account of the stigmatic highlighted the intense devotion and suffering believed to be felt, portraying a life of isolation, pain, and deep spiritual connection. The church investigated this, studying the stigmatic, examining the claims closely, and attempting to verify the claimed experience.
- The documentary attempted to explain the appearance of stigmata as a result of psychological stress, as the patient was going through a very difficult period of their life, a symptom that medical professionals claimed to understand; while others argued that science could not explain the miraculous events.