One of the most fascinating aspects of St. Therese’s life is the fact that her body has remained incorruptible since her death in 1897. This means that her body has not decayed or decomposed, as is typical for most mortal remains. Instead, her body is still intact and recognizable, more than 100 years after her passing.
This phenomenon is not unique to St. Therese; there have been many other saints whose bodies have remained incorruptible. However, the fact that St. Therese died relatively recently, and that her body is on public display in a glass case at the Basilica of Saint Therese in Lisieux, France, makes her incorruption particularly notable.
So, what does this mean? Why did St. Therese’s body remain incorruptible? There are many theories and explanations, but ultimately, the reason is a mystery. Some people believe that it is a supernatural sign of St. Therese’s sanctity and holiness; others think that it is simply a rare natural phenomenon.
Regardless of the cause, the fact that St. Therese’s body has remained incorruptible is a powerful testament to her faith and her impact. Her body is a physical reminder of her life and legacy, and it draws countless visitors to the Basilica to pay their respects and seek her intercession.
St. Therese herself would likely be embarrassed by all the attention her body has received. She was a humble and self-effacing person who sought to live her life in the background, quietly serving God and others. However, her impact has been enormous, and her legacy continues to inspire and encourage people all over the world.
Many people are drawn to St. Therese because of her “little way,” a philosophy of spiritual simplicity and childlike trust in God. She believed that even the smallest acts of kindness and obedience could have a powerful impact on the world, and she sought to live every moment in a spirit of love and generosity.
St. Therese also believed in the power of suffering to bring us closer to God. She suffered from various illnesses throughout her life, and she offered her pain and discomfort as a sacrifice to God. She wrote, “I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth…I will spend my heaven doing good on earth…I will let fall a shower of roses.”
The “shower of roses” has become a popular image associated with St. Therese, and many people attribute miraculous blessings and answered prayers to her intercession. While these claims cannot be scientifically proven or disproven, there is no denying that St. Therese’s spirituality and teachings continue to touch people’s hearts and souls.
Whether we believe in the supernatural aspect of St. Therese’s incorruptibility or not, we can all agree that her life and legacy are worth remembering and celebrating. She reminds us that even the smallest acts of love and kindness can have a profound impact on the world, and that every moment can be an opportunity to draw closer to God.
As we contemplate St. Therese’s incorruptible body, let us also remember the incorruptible spirit that she embodied throughout her life. May we all strive to live with the same simple and profound faith that she exemplified, and may we seek to live our lives as a “shower of roses” to those around us.