The astonishing true story of the nun whose incorrupt body still sits upright in a chair today.
Among the many miracles associated with the saints, few are as visually striking or as historically well‑documented as the incorrupt body of Saint Catherine of Bologna. After her death in 1463, her sisters attempted to bury her in the convent cemetery — but something extraordinary happened. Her body refused to remain in the ground, prompting the nuns to exhume her and discover that she was completely intact, flexible, and radiating a sweet fragrance. Today, more than 550 years later, her body still sits upright in a chair, preserved without embalming, astonishing pilgrims and scientists alike. This article explores the remarkable life of Saint Catherine, the miracle surrounding her incorrupt body, and why her story continues to inspire awe around the world.
A Quiet Girl With a Fierce Love for God
Catherine de’ Vigri was born into a noble family in Bologna, Italy.
From a young age, she showed:
- a deep love for prayer
- a gentle spirit
- a surprising artistic talent
- a hunger for holiness
She eventually joined a community of Poor Clare nuns, embracing a life of poverty, silence, and devotion.
Her sisters described her as:
- humble
- joyful
- obedient
- radiant with peace
But beneath her gentleness was a spiritual strength that would define her legacy.
A Life of Visions, Prayer, and Hidden Holiness
Catherine experienced profound mystical moments:
- visions of Christ
- encounters with the Virgin Mary
- spiritual battles
- prophetic insights
She also used her artistic gifts to glorify God:
- painting icons
- writing spiritual reflections
- composing poetry
- illuminating manuscripts
Her holiness was quiet, steady, and deeply rooted.
When she died at age 49, her sisters mourned her deeply — but they had no idea what was about to happen.
The Burial That Didn’t Work
After her death, the nuns buried Catherine in the convent cemetery, as was customary.
But within days, something strange happened.
The sisters began to sense:
- a sweet, unexplainable fragrance near her grave
- unusual warmth in the soil
- a persistent feeling that something was “not right”
Some accounts say the ground itself shifted.
Others say the sisters felt compelled by God to check the grave.
Finally, they decided to exhume her.
What they found left them speechless.
The Astonishing Discovery
When the nuns uncovered Catherine’s body, they found:
- no decay
- no odor of death
- skin still soft and intact
- limbs flexible
- a gentle fragrance like flowers
This was impossible by natural standards.
She had been buried in the earth with no embalming, no preservation, no protection — yet she looked as though she had just fallen asleep.
The sisters were overwhelmed.
They cleaned her gently, dressed her in fresh garments, and prayed for guidance.
And then came the most extraordinary decision.
The Body That Sits Upright
Instead of re‑burying her, the nuns placed Catherine in a simple wooden chair — the posture she often used during prayer.
Her body remained upright.
It did not collapse.
It did not stiffen.
It did not decay.
Over the centuries, her body has remained:
- intact
- recognizable
- seated
- peaceful
Pilgrims from around the world visit her in Bologna, where she still sits today — a silent witness to the mystery of holiness.
What Does “Incorrupt” Mean?
Incorruptibility is a phenomenon where a saint’s body does not undergo normal decomposition after death.
The Church sees it as:
- a sign of extraordinary holiness
- a reminder of the resurrection
- a witness to God’s power over death
Catherine’s incorrupt body is one of the most striking examples in history.
Why Her Story Still Matters
Saint Catherine’s incorrupt body is not just a curiosity — it’s a message.
Her life teaches:
- humility over ambition
- prayer over noise
- beauty born from simplicity
- holiness hidden in ordinary days
Her incorrupt body teaches:
- death is not the end
- God preserves what is precious
- holiness leaves a mark even on the physical world
She is a reminder that the quietest saints often shine the brightest.
