THE INCORRUPTIBLES

There are more than 250 Incorruptibles in the list of Catholic Saints. The bodies of these saints are free of decomposition regardless of manner of burial, exposure to water or soil, or time buried. The saints’ relics have been observed and studied, and their preservation cannot be explained by science or reason. These occurrences are purely supernatural and miraculous.

ST. CECILIA Martyred in 177 ~ First incorrupt saint Discovered in 822 and later in Body in same position as she died. This is a statue of her in her position at death.

St. Rita of Cascia Died in Body examined in 1627 for beatification and found to be in perfect condition. Body gave off a sweet fragrance even after 175 years of entombment. Witnesses claimed eyes opened and closed unaided.

St. Francis Xavier Died in1552. Several exhumations, body well-preserved Right arm, several toes cut off for relics. Remains are in a basilica in India.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Died in 1690 Tomb opened in 1830 ~ found to be incorrupt

St. John Vianney Died in 1859 /Exhumed before beatification in 1904 Only his face suffered from effects of death ~ a wax mask was placed on him. His perfectly preserved heart was removed and placed in a reliquary.

St. Catherine Laboure Died in 1876 / Exhumed in 1933 Incorrupt hands were amputated and placed in a reliquary. These hands are wax. Body found to still be flexible.

St. Bernadette Was 35 at death in 1879 Body exhumed in 1909 and 1919 In 1919 a thin coat of wax was applied to face Relic in Nevers, France

St. Mary Mazzarelo Died in 1881 Relic kept in Turin, Italy

Padre Pio Died in 1968 / Body observed in 2008 and found to be in fairly good condition Conservation (embalming) was done in 2008 to preserve body Public viewing in 2008 for 40 th anniversary of death