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A few months after being deemed “miraculously corrupted” last year, the remains of Saint Teresa of Jesus, also known as Saint Teresa of Avila, were displayed in Spain on Sunday. Born in 1515 and a conflicted Carmelite nun, she passed away in 1582. This weekend marked the first reveal of her body in Alba de Tormes, Spain, since 1914.
The display surprised many Catholics during the opening ceremony for public worship. Observers were seen covering their mouths, crying, and praying upon the sight of this Spanish saint. St. Teresa was clothed in her nun’s habit, and while her body appeared almost skeletal, certain areas, particularly her legs, were notably well-preserved.
In September, Avila parish officials opened St. Teresa’s tomb and noted it resembled its condition from the first excavation over a century ago. Marco Chiesa remarked, “The exposed areas of her face and feet are just as they were in 1914.”
He described her skin as mummified, lacking color, stating, “There’s no skin tone, but her features, especially on her face, remain visible.” As specialists examined her, they almost recognized Teresa’s features clearly.
Researchers uncovered details regarding St. Teresa’s medical history, including chronic pain that left her largely immobile. Chiesa found evidence of heel spurs that made walking extremely difficult for her.
The Catholic officials commented, “Sometimes, looking at the body reveals more about the individual.” They noted that while St. Teresa may have been physically limited, her spirit drove her forward.
A recent analysis revealed her right leg, left hand, heart, and left arm were in almost perfect condition, with intact skin and muscle. Authorities also reported that the saint’s hair appeared to be well-preserved under a nun’s headdress during the display.
It seems that the dry atmosphere of her grave played a crucial role in her remarkable preservation. Excess moisture typically hastens decomposition, and Capasso took measures to prevent future decay.
Her preservation is described as a unique natural phenomenon, symbolizing the tranquility with which she approached her death more than 400 years ago.
