Introduction
When you think of saints, what usually comes to mind? Prayerful lives, heroic virtue, miracles, perhaps? But there is another phenomenon that some saints have been associated with: incorruptibility. This is where their bodies do not experience the normal decay after death. It’s an occurrence that has puzzled many, including scientists and skeptics. What does the Catholic Church say about this? And which saints are known for this miraculous preservation?
What is Incorruptibility?
In simple words, incorruptibility refers to the supernatural preservation of a body after death. Instead of decomposing as you’d expect, the body remains almost as it was at the time of death, sometimes for centuries. While not an official criterion for sainthood, it’s considered by many as a sign of the holiness of the individual.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church doesn’t directly address incorruptibility, but it does tell us that “By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors” (CCC 828). So, in essence, the Church sees saints as role models and intercessors, whether or not their bodies are incorruptible.
The Top 10 List of Incorruptible Saints
1. St. Bernadette Soubirous
St. Bernadette is famous for the Marian apparitions she witnessed at Lourdes, France. Her incorrupt body can be seen in the Chapel of St. Bernadette in Nevers, France. She remains one of the most visited incorrupt saints.
2. St. John Vianney
Known as the patron saint of parish priests, St. John Vianney’s body remains incorrupt and is venerated in Ars, France. His dedication to the sacrament of confession drew people from all over Europe to seek spiritual guidance from him.
3. St. Padre Pio
St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin friar, bore the stigmata — the wounds of Christ — for 50 years and is also among the incorruptible saints. The Bible reminds us that “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24), and many believe St. Padre Pio’s stigmata were a miraculous sharing in Christ’s own sufferings.
4. St. Catherine Labouré
St. Catherine Labouré is renowned for her visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led to the creation of the Miraculous Medal. Her body lies incorrupt at the Rue du Bac, Paris.
5. St. Thérèse of Lisieux
St. Thérèse, also known as “The Little Flower,” is one of the most popular saints. Though her body was exhumed in a deteriorated condition, her relics are nonetheless venerated and her spirituality, known as the “Little Way,” has influenced millions.
6. St. Vincent de Paul
Known for his compassion, humility, and generosity, St. Vincent de Paul’s body is incorrupt and can be seen in the Vincent de Paul Chapel in Paris.
7. St. Clare of Assisi
A close friend and follower of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare’s incorrupt body is preserved in Assisi, Italy. She founded the Poor Clares, an order dedicated to poverty and humility.
8. St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesian Order, dedicated his life to the education and betterment of street children and delinquents. His body is preserved in Turin, Italy.
9. St. Charbel Makhlouf
A Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon, St. Charbel led a life of extreme asceticism and devotion. His body, exuding a mysterious liquid, remains incorrupt.
10. St. Francis Xavier
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One of the founding members of the Jesuit Order, St. Francis Xavier’s right forearm, which he used to bless and baptize converts, is incorrupt and displayed in the Jesuit mother church in Rome.
Why is this Important?
You may wonder, “Why should we care?” Incorruptibility isn’t just a weird religious fact; it serves a purpose. For one, it brings people closer to the faith. It makes the saints more relatable, as if they are still among us. Second, it helps us reflect on the mystery of our own bodies. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:52 that “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet… the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” So, in a way, these saints offer a glimpse into the glorified bodies that await us.
Caveats and Caution
It’s worth mentioning that while incorruptibility is considered a miraculous sign by many faithful, it is not an infallible proof of sainthood or holiness. The Church, in her wisdom, canonizes saints based on a rigorous process that includes the examination of their lives, writings, and miracles attributed to their intercession, not solely on the condition of their earthly remains.
Conclusion
Whether you see it as a miraculous sign or a fascinating mystery, the phenomenon of incorruptibility among certain Catholic saints stirs our imagination and enriches our faith. But remember, saints are primarily examples of how to live a life devoted to God and neighbor. And in that, we can all aspire to be ‘incorruptible.’
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Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.