Warning: Graphic image below
The remarkably preserved remains of a 16th-century Catholic saint, who passed away over 400 years ago, astounded visitors during her display in Spain this past weekend.
The body of St. Teresa, a Carmelite nun whose remains have not been seen publicly since 1914, was exhibited at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, on Sunday.
This exhibition was part of the inaugural ceremony of public worship.
One attendee, emotionally moved, covered her mouth as she gazed at the saint, known also as St. Theresa of Avila, while another visitor was brought to tears.
Photographs from the event revealed others praying in front of the saint’s body.
St. Teresa died at 67 and has remarkably remained almost intact since her death in 1582.
The display was created by Carmelite monks and nuns, providing them an opportunity to examine artifacts like her heart, hands, and arms, and to reflect on photographs from 1914 to compare her current state.
Father Marco Chiesa commented, “The exposed areas of her face and feet resemble those from 1914.”
A detailed analysis, released in March by an anthropology professor, highlighted the saint’s extraordinary preservation, as reported by a Spanish news outlet.
“Her right leg, left hand, heart, and left arm are fully preserved, with no signs of decay,” noted Italian Professor Luigicasso.
Her scalp still shows strands of brown hair, while her right eye retains its dark eyelids and iris, according to reports.
X-ray studies have indicated that St. Teresa battled several chronic illnesses during her life, which restricted her movements, according to Salamanca RTV Al Dia.
Officials attribute the saint’s impressive preservation to the dryness of her burial site, with one expert describing it as “a truly unique natural phenomenon.”
