The gift of incorruptibility is a phenomenon that has intrigued humankind for centuries. It refers to a state in which the body of a deceased person, usually a saint, doesn’t decompose and remains well preserved despite not having been embalmed or treated in any way. Many believe that this is a miraculous occurrence that showcases the divine influence in the lives of these individuals. In this article, we will explore the incredible phenomena of the incorruptible saints.
The term "incorruptible" has been used since the early Christian era to describe the extraordinary state of some of the bodies of deceased Saints and Martyrs which remain undecayed and are sometimes even fragrant after death. Corruptibility, in Christianity, refers to the natural decay that the human body goes through after death. However, in the case of certain saints, their bodies have remained uncorrupted through the centuries - some for even thousands of years.
There are several examples of saints who have shown this phenomenon. One such example is Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who is famous for her visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes in the 19th century. After her death in 1879, her body was exhumed several times, the last being in 1925, and it was found to be perfectly preserved. This preservation continued to baffle the experts who examined it.
Another example is Saint Catherine Labouré, who is best known for receiving the Medal of the Immaculate Conception in 1830. She died in 1876, and in 1933, her body was exhumed. The doctors who examined her body reported that it was so well-preserved that it looked as if she had just died. The wax coating that had been applied to her body during her funeral had all but disappeared, and the skin was soft and supple.
Saint Teresa of Avila, one of the most important religious figures of Spain, is also an example of incorruptibility. She died in 1582, and when her tomb was opened in 1585, 20 years after her death, witnesses reported that her body was perfectly preserved, despite the passage of time. In 1975, her body was once again exhumed, and it was found to be perfectly intact, with no signs of decay.
Saint John Bosco is another prominent example of incorruptibility. He is best known for his work with impoverished children in Turin, Italy, in the 19th century. He died in 1888, and his body was exhumed several times over the years, the most recent being in 2003. On each occasion, his body was found to be well-preserved, and it remained so even after he had been dead for more than a century.
The phenomenon of incorruptibility has been proven to be the result of a combination of natural and supernatural factors. Some believe that these bodies are preserved by the same laws of nature that mummify bodies and that certain environmental conditions help to preserve the body. Others believe that it is a sign of divine intervention and that these bodies are preserved because of their sanctity.
Many skeptics believe that these bodies are nothing more than a hoax or an elaborate myth that has been promoted by the Catholic Church. However, the phenomenon of incorruptibility has been documented in scientific studies and has been verified by independent experts. One such study was conducted by the Italian anthropologist Dr. Ruggero Pesce, who examined the body of Saint Catherine Labouré. According to his report, "the body showed no sign of mold, and the surface of the skin was dry, hard and a little shrunken, as is typical of mummies, not the soft and pliable texture of a fresh cadaver."
While the phenomenon of incorruptibility continues to baffle experts, it remains a powerful symbol of the power of faith and the mystery of life and death. Many believers see it as a testament to the truth of the Christian faith and as proof of the divine intervention in the lives of the Saints.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of incorruptibility is a fascinating one that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Despite the skeptics, the evidence of the preservation of these bodies is overwhelming and offers us a glimpse into the mystery of life and death. Whether one chooses to believe that it is a natural or supernatural occurrence, the incorruptible saints remain a testament to the power of faith and the possibility of miracles in our lives.