Astonishing discovery: St. Teresa of Ávila’s body is still incorrupt after over 400 years

[Michie]

ALBA DE TORMES, Spain (OSV News) — The silver coffin of St. Teresa of Ávila was opened in Alba de Tormes Aug. 28 only to confirm her body has remained incorrupt since her death in 1592. The opening of her tomb marks the beginning of a study of her relics, which will be carried out by Italian doctors and scientists — with the approval of the Vatican.

The last opening of St. Teresa’s coffin happened in 1914, 110 years ago. The Spanish Diocese of Ávila now wants to obtain canonical recognition of the relics from Rome.

Incorruptibility confirmed​

According to the announcement made by the postulator general of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Father Marco Chiesa, those present at the scene were able to see that “it is in the same condition as when it was last opened in 1914.” The then-general of the Carmelites, Clemente de los Santos, wanted to see the body of the foundress. Both openings — 110 years ago and now — confirmed that the body of St. Teresa has remained incorrupt since her death.

Continued below.

Astonishing discovery: St. Teresa of Ávila's body is still incorrupt after over 400 years

The opening of St. Teresa of Ávila's tomb marks the beginning of a study of her relics to be carried out by Italian doctors and scientists -- with Vatican approval.

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[RileyG]

That's interesting.

There was a photo of her. body from 1914. I wouldn't necessarily call her incorrupt because she is pretty much skeletal, but it is rather miraculous a body has survived that long after 400+ years.

 

[Michie]

That's interesting.

There was a photo of her. body from 1914. I wouldn't necessarily call her incorrupt because she is pretty much skeletal, but it is rather miraculous a body has survived that long after 400+ years.

I really do not understand what the Church considers incorrupt when it seems so much is done cosmetically to them to display them.

 

[RileyG]

I really do not understand what the Church considers incorrupt when it seems so much is done cosmetically to them to display them.

They might last for a long time, but they won't last forever.