Corpse of 16th-century Catholic saint found ‘perfectly preserved’ goes on display, astonishing worshippers

Corpse of 16th-century Catholic saint found ‘perfectly preserved’ goes on display, astonishing worshippers

Experts call St. Teresa's preservation a 'unique natural phenomenon'

Catholics were taken aback at the remains of St. Teresa of Avila, which went on display on May 11. (Manuel Angel Laya/Europa Press / Getty Images)

St. Teresa's tomb was opened for the first time in 1914; her corpse had not been on display since then. (Manuel Angel Laya/Europa Press via Getty Images)

St. Teresa of Avila suffered from medical issues before her death, including debilitating heel spurs. (Manuel Angel Laya/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Carmelites opened the tomb of St. Teresa of Avila last year, and found her corpse to be in "incorrupt" condition. (CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)