The Incorrupt Heart of Saint Teresa of Ávila is a profound bodily relic, remarkably preserved since her death in 1582. Its most striking feature is a visible wound, reverently believed to be the physical manifestation of her mystical experience of transverberation, where an angel's lance pierced her heart with divine love. This relic serves as a powerful testament to Saint Teresa's intense spiritual life and her profound union with God, inspiring countless faithful to deeper devotion.
History & Provenance
After Teresa's death in 1582, her heart was removed and found to bear a remarkable wound. The heart has been preserved in the Convent of the Annunciation in Alba de Tormes since the 16th century.
My visit to The Incorrupt Heart of Saint Teresa of Ávila
I traveled to Alba de Tormes specifically to see the relic of The Incorrupt Heart of Saint Teresa of Ávila. The church was beautiful, and the relic is displayed with great reverence. I prayed for healing for a family member and felt a deep sense of peace afterward.
October 21, 2025