What are stigmata and can it occur to anyone? Can it happen to you or someone you know? When does it happen? Is this phenomenon true or just another hoax? What happens to someone who is considered a stigmatic? What exactly is a stigmatic?
             Stigmata is the spontaneous duplicated wounds that Christ received during crucifixion (Nickell, 219). The wounds that one receives are the wounds that resemble the wounds Jesus Christ suffered in crucifixion. The wounds of Stigmata are presumable inflicted by a supernatural force (Microsoft Encarta).
             There are two types of Stigmata: visible and invisible. The invisible are wounds that the victim can feel torturing them; but no one can see them. Visible stigmata are wounds that can be seen by others (Freze, 35). The wounds that one receives can be of the hands (or wrists), feet, forehead, back, side, and shoulder. The most common of the wounds for one to receive are the wounds of the hands or wrists. The wounds of the feet, forehead, and the side are less common. Some stigmatics have also claimed that their heart has been "wounded" or it has formed into a mystical, Christian object such as a cross (Nickell, 219).
             Some "brides of Christ" have reported to have a ring inexplicably appear or form on their ring finger or the forefinger (Nickell, 219). Some stigmatics have reported to have a ring given to them from Lord as a sign of their spiritual marriage with him. Some "brides" have said that they could see the ring, but no one else could see what they were explaining. The "brides" described their rings as a golden band with a diamond or two (Freze, 52). The rings they were explaining were like engagement rings we see in jewelry stores. The ring may be completely invisible to others, or they may be able to see the reddening of the skin (Freze, 52). In most cases, the "ring" is a thickening and reddening of the skin. The skin will take the shape of a wedding band (Nickell, ...