Devoted to Santa Gemma: Toon Hermans

Before i make a post about the history of the chapel first this one:

Sittard is also known for a very loved and well known person in the Netherlands. This was the cabaretier: (translates to comedian i think) Toon Hermans. What is not so commonly known is that he was very devoted to Santa Gemma. It's a story of a miraculous healing because of the intercession of Santa Gemma.

He writes about it in his book. When he was around 15 years old he was severy ill (related to one of the lower ribs). Medicine did not help and it was feared he would have to remain in bed for the rest of his life. His mother went to the St Gemma chapel and started a novena on his behalf. Every day she went to the chapel for nine days regardless of the weather. He writes that on the ninth day he heard his mother return and he came out of bed to open the door for his mother, leaving her completely surprised. From that moment on it went better and better with his health and he never had any trouble with the rib. He personally went to the chapel to thank Santa Gemma himself.

On that day of this visit a sister gave him a holy card and a relic of Santa Gemma which he kept with him for the rest of his life. He has been devoted to Santa Gemma ever since. In his dressing room when he had his performances he always kep a medal of Santa Gemma. His secretary clipped it always on his towel.

Whenever his worked allowed it he would visit the chapel (one of the sisters told me that was on a weekly basis). He then always brought flowers.

He was very much struck by the death of his life time companion Rietje. This affected himself so much that he even had to cancel a tour. Nevertheless he came back on stage for the remainder of his life.

Toon died on April the 22nd 2000 which was also like with Santa Gemma a Holy Saturday. The chapel is not used for funerals but special permission was granted for a funeral service in secrecy in the chapel. Still the press did find out.

In honor of Santa Gemma the family had her image printed on the card used during the funeral service (below). Toon is buried in Sittard not too far from the chapel.



Santa Gemma, Pray for us!