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.
Keywords: Elena Aiello, Autosuggestion, Psychology, Stigmata,
Psychopathology, Malingering, Factitious Disorder