In a remarkable recent discovery, the tomb of St. Teresa of Jesus, also known as St. Teresa of Avila, was opened for research, revealing stunning insights into her incorrupt physical state. The event took place last month and was announced through a press release translated from Spanish to English by the Diocese of Avila, which is located in Spain. St. Teresa, a Discalced Carmelite nun who passed away in 1582, had her tomb last opened for examination over a century ago, in 1914. This recent inspection was not merely a casual reopening but part of a thorough study of the saint’s relics, specifically her heart, hand, and arm.
The intricate process of this study involved a collaboration of Discalced Carmelite nuns, monks, and priests. Father Miguel Ángel González emphasized the care with which the reliquaries were handled, noting that they were moved with "austerity and solemnity" amid an atmosphere charged with reverence and emotion. The press release detailed the complex steps taken to reach the silver urn containing St. Teresa’s remains. It stated that the initial step involved the removal of a marble slab that sealed her tomb, followed by the careful opening of the silver tomb in the designated study room, which was only accessible to the scientific medical team and members of the ecclesiastical court.
The findings from this careful examination were both surprising and enlightening. Father Marco Chiesa reported that St. Teresa’s remains had remained extraordinarily well-preserved since her death over four centuries ago. To corroborate this, the Discalced Carmelites referred to photographs of the saint’s corpse taken in 1914 to assess any changes in her physical condition. Remarkably, Father Chiesa noted that "the uncovered parts, which are the face and foot, are the same as those they were in 1914." He further elaborated that while the skin had mummified and lacked any color, the features of her face were still discernible, earning the affirmation that “it looks good” from the inspecting expert doctors.
Beyond the preservation of her physical form, studying St. Teresa’s body has provided valuable insight into her health conditions during her lifetime. Father Chiesa recounted that the saint experienced significant challenges in her final years, particularly with mobility—a fact that she poignantly described in her writings. For instance, as researchers analyzed the foot relic from St. Teresa’s body, they discovered the presence of calcareous spines, which would have rendered walking almost impossible. This revelation underscored the strength of St. Teresa’s spirit; despite her physical ailments, she remained determined and continued to walk to Alba de Tormes, where she ultimately passed away.
At this stage, the project dedicated to analyzing the remains of St. Teresa of Jesus is still in its infancy. Father Chiesa expressed optimism that ongoing research would not only provide further insights into her life but also yield valuable recommendations for the preservation of relics in the future. He highlighted that there have been analogous studies which could yield intriguing data about the saint while also advising on relic conservation methodologies.
In a world increasingly fascinated by historical narratives and the mysteries of faith, the opening of St. Teresa’s tomb represents a unique intersection of religious reverence and scientific inquiry. The preservation of her remains serves as a testament to her significant role in the Catholic faith and the enduring legacy that she left behind. As historians and theologians continue their exploration, the story of St. Teresa of Avila is likely to inspire renewed interest and research, further illuminating the life and struggles of this remarkable figure in religious history.
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