A psychopathological reading of the blood sweat phenomenon and religious stigmas: The case of Blessed Elena Aiello

Abstract

Around 300 cases of stigma have been described since the 13th century. Hematidrosis, hemolacria, bloody otorrhea, vicarious menstruation, and Gardner-Diamond syndrome are dermatological manifestations that are also observed in cases of stigma. This paper presents the disconcerting circumstances in the life of the Blessed Elena Aiello. From 1923 until her death, she suffered severe hematidrosis blood sweating on her forehead,hands, feet and knees, just as stigmata appear at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Stigmas, in Christian tradition, are marks corresponding to those left on Christ’s body by the torture and the Crucifixion, it’s said that are impressed on the person body by divine favor. These episodes, among the few recognised as authentic by the Catholic Church would appear each Friday in Lent, particularly on Good Friday. In this unique case study, doctors Fabrizio and Turano performed a medical study where the origin of the sores was unclear. Neurologist and psychiatrist Vincenzo Bianchi, on assessing the case, raised the possibility of simulation or mere suggestion on the part of the patient.