The opening of her tomb marks the beginning of a study of her relics, which will be carried out by Italian doctors and scientists — with the approval of the Vatican.

The last opening of St Teresa's coffin happened in 1914, 110 years ago. The Spanish Diocese of Ávila now wants to obtain canonical recognition of the relics from Rome.

According to the announcement made by the postulator general of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Father Marco Chiesa, those present at the scene were able to see that "it is in the same condition as when it was last opened in 1914."

Read More

Addressing superiors and delegates from Discalced Carmelite monasteries in Rome, the pontiff stressed the need for adaptation to modern times.

"Defensive strategies are the fruit of a nostalgic return to the past; this does not work, nostalgia does not work" Francis said at a gathering on April 18.

Instead, Francis urged the Discalced Carmelites to adopt a "Gospel hope" that "makes us capable of looking to the future with those roots we have received."

"That is called preserving the charism (with) the thrill of moving forward, and that does work" he said.

He told the attendees this "Gospel hope" aligns with society's evolving needs. At the same time, he encouraged preserving the essence of their charism.

Like a light with flies

The pope highlighted the importance of maintaining the Order's mission while exploring innovative ways to promote contemplative life. He encouraged members to seek "new languages, new paths and new instruments" to invigorate their commitment to contemplation.

"When a Carmelite works well, he or she attracts, isn't that right?" he asked. "It is like a light with flies."

Amid discussions about revising the order's constitutions last approved by St John Paul II in the early 1990s, Pope Francis emphasised the need to nurture the fire of their charism rather than merely safeguarding tradition. He underlined the role of contemplative life as a dynamic force that enriches both the Church and the world.

While acknowledging the challenge of balancing separation from the world with engagement in daily life, the pope affirmed that contemplation should not lead to spiritual detachment but rather deepen one's connection to daily responsibilities.

Drawing from the teachings of St Teresa of Ávila, he emphasised the transformative nature of mystical union with God in the midst of ordinary activities.

The pope's message extends beyond monasteries, underscoring the universal relevance of adapting religious structures to contemporary realities. His call for a forward-looking approach resonates with the broader imperative for religious institutions to remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world.

Sources

America Magazine

And there, in the avoidance of religious truth and its call to love and mercy, Edith found peace and consolation — a peace that would sustain her all the way to Auschwitz.

As Pope Francis calls believers to the peripheries, he has stressed that such places of obscurity are not only geographical locations.

While the pope avoids any misplaced hyper-spiritualization of the actual physical fringes of society, he does comfortably broaden the term to include an existential dimension.

And so, the peripheries are not only localities in the world, but can also be dimensions within the human heart.

This reality is exemplified in the life, conversion, and martyrdom of the great St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, whose birth name was Edith Stein.

The Catholic Church celebrated the saint's feast day this past week. The holy day was an occasion to recount Edith Stein's story, and to be inspired by her witness to truth and charity.

Edith was born into a large Jewish family in 1891. When she was a young child, her father died and her mother refused to re-marry.

Instead, her mother worked as a single parent, which was uncommon at the time, and provided for the family through unrelenting determination and hard work.

This example of independence and tenacity greatly influenced Edith throughout her life.

Edith was very attentive to her studies, and was regularly noted for her brilliance.

As a young woman, Edith could not intellectually find reasons to believe in God, and such beliefs became a periphery in her heart.

She became an ardent atheist but studied philosophy because she wanted to understand the mysteries and intrigue of life.

During World War I, Edith served as a nurse and this experience led her to deeper reflections on sacrifice, suffering, misery, and hope. Continue reading

Sources

• Crux article by Father Jeffrey F. Kirby, a Crux contributor.
• Image: The Tabard Theatre Company