Teresa of Ávila / Peter Paul Rubens
CV NEWS FEED // This week, St. Teresa of Ávila’s body was put on display May 11 in Alba de Tormes, Spain, for the first time since 1914. Her body, still partially incorrupt, brought many pilgrims to tears.
“Pictures show Catholics visibly taken aback by the display, which was part of the opening ceremony of public veneration, on Sunday,” Fox News reported. “Observers were seen covering their mouths, crying and praying at the sight of the Spanish saint.”
St. Teresa of Ávila was exhumed for the first time since 1914 in August 2024, as CatholicVote previously reported, and found to still be incorrupt. This is the first time she has been displayed for pilgrims.
The saint’s right foot, left hand, heart and left arm are perfectly preserved, with intact skin, Fox News added.
Father Marco Chiesa explained that the saint’s face and foot appear in the same way that they did in 1914.
“There is no color, there is no skin color, because the skin is mummified, but it is seen, especially in the middle of the face,” he said. “[It] looks good. Expert doctors see Teresa’s face almost clearly.”
Luigi Capasso, an anthropology professor, called her incorrupt body “a truly unique natural phenomenon.”
“This preservation, more than 400 years after her death,” he said, “transmits a serenity that reflects how she faced her departure.”
St. Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish Carmelite who was known for her reforms to the order, lived from 1515 to 1582. She is a doctor of the Church.
