Official statement: Facial Reconstruction of Saint Teresa of Jesus

28th March 2025

510th anniversary of the Birth of Saint Teresa of Jesus

On 28 August 2024, in Alba de Tormes (Spain), the long process of identification and study of the mortal remains of Saint Teresa of Jesus began. It will culminate with the public exhibition from 11 to 25 May and the subsequent closure of the tomb. On this occasion, numerous and meticulous examinations were conducted under the responsibility of Professors Luigi Capasso, Ruggero D'Anastasio and Dr. Jacopo Cilli of the ‘Gabriele d'Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy). On the basis of the information gathered, the Generalate of the Discalced Carmelites decided to proceed with the scientific reconstruction of the face of Saint Teresa of Avila, using the most modern techniques. This facial reconstruction (also known as ‘approximation’) was carried out by Professor Jennifer Mann of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (Monash University, Victoria, Australia): it combined the forensic methodologies currently used in the United States and the United Kingdom and was based on the anthropometric data and X-rays provided by the University of Chieti. The photographs are by Jennifer Mann and the videos by Paul Burston. The artists authorize the publication and printing of these images with the following credits: for the photographs ‘Sculpture and photos by Jennifer Mann’ and for the videos ‘Sculpture by Jennifer Mann/Videos by Paul Burston’, all rights retained. Soon, copies of the bust of Saint Theresa will be available in the original dimensions, in bronze or resin. To order, please contact the Postulation General OCD.

P. Marco Chiesa

Postulator General OCD

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