Famous Religious Reliquary: The Incorruptible Hand of St Teresa

Christianity brims with holy relics of all kinds. From the shroud of Turin and St. Thomas’ finger to Saint Nino’s cross, the religious reliquary has deep and enormous religious significance for millions of Christians around the world. Many people willingly make pilgrimages every year to wipe away sins and venerate the sacred objects that have long become the symbols of prophetic hope and unshakable faith. One such famous relic is the incorruptible hand of St Teresa of Ávila, a Christian saint, a Spanish noblewoman, and an unofficial patron saint of Spain. The relic is so special and important that a lot of tourists come to Ronda in search of miracles even today.

Who was Saint Teresa of Ávila?

Teresa of Ávila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a notable figure in the Catholic Church. She belonged to the Carmelite nuns and was the one who restored the Carmelite Orders for women and men. The saint was assigned different roles during and after her lifetime. On the one hand, she was a religious reformer, a theologian, and was declared the Doctor of the Church. On the other hand, she was remembered as a notable Spanish mystic and mental prayer.

After Teresa’s death, her coffin was opened. The legend has it that her body was intact, except for clothing. Before the body was reburied, one of her hands, the left hand, in particular, was cut off. And that is how the relic of the hand of St Teresa came into existence. What is known about the holy relic?

The vital importance of the hand of St Teresa

The story goes that Francisco Franco, the leader of the National forces during the Spanish Civil War, kept St. Teresa’s hand like a talisman. After his death, it was returned to its rightful home. As part of the incorruptible human body, the hand of St Teresa can heal sick people and guide those who find peace and love in prayers.

How can I see it?

Hundreds of infertile women come to Ronda to kiss the hand of St Teresa with the hope that it will make them fertile. At the same time, there are a lot of ordinary tourists who visit the monastery to heal spiritually. No matter which group you belong to, you can fly to the province of Málaga and pay a visit to the women’s monastery in Ronda to see the holy relic.