An intimate portrait of 20th Century victim soul and stigmatic Saint Gemma Galgani told through her letters, autobiographical passages, and excerpts from the ecstasies she experienced in the last years of her life. Out of print since its publication in 1950 and now back in this paperback edition, the book traces her growing perfection through the lens of St. Teresa of Avila's Seven Mansions of the Interior Castle. Here's an excerpt: Then there was that little white-haired Passionist monk that God had shown her in her dreams. Already she had come to love him in her characteristically ardent way when there was no reason for restraint. He was a gift from God. He it was who was to lead her out of this labyrinth of doubts, fears, puzzlements and sometimes terrifying experiences. God had said so, and yet so often she had sought permission of Monsignor to write to him and had not received it. Her request finally granted, she still failed to lay bare that which was of most importance. She accuses herself of unconquerable pride where the reader will see only a natural reticence or a sensitiveness to revealing one’s innermost soul. Sensitiveness—this fear of what others will think or say she would call but a subtle form of the same pride. Though her soul longed to be unburdened, her mind refused to submit to the ordeal. Her first letter to Father Germano reads: Most Reverend Father, For the last few days I have been uncertain whether to write or not; many times Signora Cecelia has spoken to me of you, and I have had for some time an eager desire to see you, and also to write to you; I asked permission of my Confessor, but he always refused. Last Saturday I asked again; he said yes, and I was very glad. But now when about to write, I feel almost afraid, and do you know why? I must write about very strange things, which will certainly make you marvel. I tell you frankly—my head is a little unbalanced, and believes that it sees and hears impossible things; I say impossible because Jesus has never spoken to nor made Himself seen by souls as wicked as I. Some time ago I had the thought of asking Jesus if He would let me see you; for I was disturbed in mind. Then one day Jesus said to me: '"Father Germano," I looked and saw a white-haired Passionist with hands joined in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament ...