In a remarkable find, Spain’s National Heritage team has uncovered precious textile relics of St. Teresa of Ávila in the Royal Palace of Madrid. The discovery includes 12 measuring tapes corresponding to the saint’s height and a fine linen shroud that once covered her body — an intimate link to one of the most beloved mystics of the Catholic tradition.
The discovery comes just as a team of researchers is already in the midst of an in-depth study into Teresa's remains, which got underway last August.
The Heritage team did not reveal the measurements found on the tapes, but the study of Teresa's remains found that the probable height of St. Teresa was 156.8 centimeters -- almost 5'2".
These textile relics were found during an ongoing study of the burial garments worn by Teresa of Ávila, also known as Santa Teresa de Jesús. Wrapped in aged but protective paper, the collection was accompanied by a dated letter signed by two senior figures of the Discalced Carmelite Order: Nicolás de Jesús María and Francisco de San Antonio.
As explained by Roberto Jiménez for Salamanca al Día, the letter describes the relics as a gift to King Ferdinand VI — a gesture that speaks volumes about the close ties between the Spanish crown and the Carmelite order.
According to head conservator Pilar Benito, the preservation of both the textiles and accompanying documents is exceptional.
“The outer wrapping has aged, but inside, the items are remarkably intact. We’re beginning the restoration process to make them safely visible to the public,” she shared.
The relics offer more than historical insight — they also serve as material witnesses to a profound spiritual legacy.
Understanding the degrees of relics
Catholic tradition classifies relics into three degrees, each reflecting a different level of connection to a saint.
First-class relics are parts of a saint’s body, such as bones, hair, or blood. These are held in special veneration because they are physically part of the holy person.
Second-class relics are items the saint personally used — clothing, a rosary, or, as in this case, a burial shroud or garments.
Third-class relics are objects that have touched a first- or second-class relic, such as pieces of cloth touched to a saint’s tomb. These are often distributed to the faithful as devotional items.
The linen sheet discovered in Madrid, having once covered St. Teresa’s body, qualifies as a second-class relic. The 12 measuring tapes, while less typical, also likely fall into this category, especially if created or preserved with devotional intent.
Relics, though sometimes misunderstood, are not worshiped. Instead, they serve as tangible links to the communion of saints — a belief affirmed by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which teaches that “the communion of saints is the Church” (CCC 946).
Through relics, the faithful connect with the lives and virtues of holy men and women who came before them, drawing inspiration for their own spiritual journey.
From Alba de Tormes to Madrid
The significance of these items lies not only in their age but in the spiritual intimacy they offer. St. Teresa of Ávila, declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, remains a towering figure in Catholic spirituality. Her writings on prayer and inner transformation continue to influence seekers of all faiths.
Now, as plans emerge for public display and continued research, these humble fabrics — once hidden away — invite new generations to rediscover the legacy of a woman who dared to reform a Church, and whose quiet strength endures in cloth, in ink, and in faith.
