Dear Catholic Exchange:
I recently saw a TV program on stigmatas. It stated the most known stigmatist is Georgio Bongiavani. I have never heard of him. What do you know about what he says about the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Thanks for your help!
Peace in Christ!
After numerous searches, we were unable to locate any substantial or reliable information concerning the alleged stigmatic, Georgio Bongiavani. The only Internet sources that turned up were from web sites containing information on the “paranormal” of almost any variety. The websites provided no sources and they situated information on Georgio Bongiavani within the contexts of other paranormal phenomena. One unnamed individual claimed to have met him and to have felt the wounds. This apparently happened at a lecture given by Georgio Bongiavani on the “end times,” where he allegedly talked about the “return” of extraterrestrial creatures to earth. No references were found regarding the Blessed Virgin.
Stigmatists are not a new phenomenon in the Church. Great saints of the past, such as St. Francis, as well as more recent times, such as St. Pio, have had the stigmata. What is common to them all seems to have been untiring service to God’s people. Lacking any statement by the Church concerning Georgio Bongiavani, or at least a source of reliable information, we can only say that his life and statements must be judged in light of the Church’s authentic teaching.
Please refer to our Faith Fact, Private Revelation for further reading. It addresses Church norms for understanding those things outside the context of public revelation—the deposit of faith entrusted by Christ to the apostles and the successors, the bishops.
If you have further questions on this or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please contact us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to “support, defend, and advance the efforts of the teaching Church.”
United in the Faith,
David E. Utsler
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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