Benedetta Carlini (Radio Edit)

Stigmata

Benedetta Carlini's life was marked by extraordinary claims of mystical experiences, including the stigmata, which are wounds mirroring those of Jesus Christ. Michelle Sauer explains that Benedetta began experiencing intense pain and stigmata around 1615, a rare occurrence among saints like Saint Francis of Assisi 1. Despite the skepticism of her fellow nuns, Benedetta's experiences were unique within her convent, where no others reported similar phenomena 1.

The stigmata itself is considered an extreme gift that very few saints had ever received.

--- Michelle Sauer

Her visions, which included being pursued by young men with weapons and receiving a wand of flowers and thorns from an angel, further set her apart 2.

   

Visions

Benedetta's mystical visions began at a young age, with her first significant experience occurring at nine when she claimed the Virgin Mary kissed her 2. Greg Jenner and Sophie Duker humorously compare her to a modern influencer, imagining her sharing these experiences on social media 3. Her visions became more elaborate over time, including marrying Jesus and living without a heart for three days 2.

It's actually a trick question. Sophie, all five are true.

--- Greg Jenner

These claims, while extraordinary, were taken seriously enough to eventually lead to a papal investigation.