Many doubters believe that the occurrence of this miracle can be the result of self-hypnosis, and unconscious mortification of the skin by the sufferers. Believers in the miracle of stigmata note that physicians are unable to cure the wounds. There have been many instances where sufferers of stigmata have been continually watched over, and the wounds, except in one example, do not emit a fetid odor. In fact sometimes they are accompanied by a pleasant perfume odor. Today, cases of stigmata are still occurring.
Bishops are responsible for investigating stigmata in their diocese.
The church has never validated a stigmata until quite a bit of time has elapsed since the death of the stigmatic. There are no examples before the 13th century. Interestingly, there are only 41 examples of males experiencing stigmata. The suffering of the Stigmata is the most important aspect of this miracle. Stigmata represents a very real connection with the sufferings of Christ.