As part of the ongoing research into the remains of St. Teresa of Avila, a famous Spanish Carmelite and Doctor of the Church, this March 28, the team revealed a reconstruction of the saint's face. Today is the 510th anniversary of the birth of the saint in 1515.
The face reconstruction is based both on forensics and historical testimonies. It depicts Teresa at age 50, when she lived in the Monastery of St. Joseph in Avila. [See a slideshow of images at the end of the article.]
The research team has been led by an Italian professor, but the project of reconstructing the face was entrusted to an Australian professor: Jennifer Mann, from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine at Monash University.
“Professor Ruggero D'Anastasio, from the Italian team, contacted me to lead this facial reconstruction,” explains Mann. ”They provided me with exceptional data: detailed anthropomorphic measurements and X-rays taken from multiple angles.”
In addition, Mann was able to use a portrait painted by Friar Juan de la Miseria as well as a detailed description by Mother María de San José, who lived with the saint and highlighted details such as her arched eyebrows and three distinctive moles.
“It has been a unique experience to contribute to this work," Mann said.
At a press conference on March 11, various Carmelite Church officials explained that the relics will be open for public veneration from May 11 to 25, 2025, in the Basílica of the Anunciación in Alba de Tormes.
At the end of this time period, the relics will be returned to their definitive resting place, and this will bring to an end the investigation process. Read more about the research and the fascinating finds in the articles linked below.
