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Stigmata

World Religion
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The appearance of bodily wounds, scars, and pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ, believed to be a supernatural sign of sanctity.

Detailed Definition
Stigmata are primarily a Catholic mystical phenomenon, associated with saints like St. Francis of Assisi, and are seen as a profound identification with the suffering of Christ. In poetry, stigmata symbolize extreme empathy, the physical manifestation of spiritual suffering, and the concept of bearing the wounds of the world. It is a powerful, visceral image for exploring themes of imitation of Christ, the intersection of physical and spiritual pain, redemptive suffering, and the mysterious ways grace can mark the human body.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Catholic poetry, Stigmata marks mystical union: “Francis’ hands—Stigmata, love’s wounds mirrored”; In contemporary verse, Stigmata is empathy: “Nurse’s scars—Stigmata from holding dying hands”; In mystical poetry, Stigmata is identification: “Bear others’ pain—Stigmata of compassion”; Poets use Stigmata metaphorically: “Activist’s bruises—Stigmata of justice work.”
Additional Notes
Stigmata—first reported in Francis of Assisi—manifest Christ’s wounds on devotees’ bodies; they signify mystical identification with Christ’s suffering; in poetry, stigmata symbolize empathy so deep it becomes physical, or the cost of love that bears others’ pain, transforming suffering into sacred witness.
Also Known As
Sacred Wounds Stigmatic Marks Wound
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