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Incorruptible Bodies
This term refers to a weird belief that divine intervention preserves some dead human bodies from normal decomposition. Most dead bodies gradually decay after they are buried or placed in tombs. But some Christians believe that the bodies of very holy people are miraculously preserved indefinitely without any change at all. This isn't due to artificial preservation or mummification, but instead is a divine supernatural effect. However, it only happens to the bodies of people who were very holy. Some Christians think that these preserved bodies will be resurrected to life again during the End Times.
Many incorrupt bodies produce a distinctive scent known as the "Odor of Sanctity", which resembles the fragrance of rose blossoms. Some of these bodies also have a miraculous power to heal sick people who touch the preserved flesh.
This is a photograph of the incorrupt body of Saint Virginia Centurione Bracelli, who died in 1651. Other long-dead Christian saints whose bodies are supposedly incorruptible include Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint John Vianney, Saint Veronica Giuliani, and Saint Francis Xavier. One of the longest-surviving incorrupt bodies is that of Saint Silvan, who died in the 4th century.
