When Christ was crucified, nails were driven into his hands and feet to hold him on the cross. The re-occurrence of these wounds, the mark of the passions of Christ, on a person, called Stigmata, is a miracle which has happened many times. This miracle is particularly pertinent to our topics: blood, power, and gender.

What is the cause of stigmata?

If stigmata is real, there is no medical or scientific explanation for it. Wounds do not suddenly and spontaneously appear on people's bodies for no reason; some specific instrument (such as a knife, tooth, or bullet) can always be identified as causing the trauma.

How did St Francis get the stigmata?

St Francis of Assisi received the stigmata (wounds) of Jesus Christ while praying at La Verna in 1224. These wounds emanated from a vision of a seraph in the form of a cross, and consisted of nail marks on his hands and feet, and a gash in the side of his chest.