Perfumed Saints

It is a well-known fact that some of the saints emit a certain perfume that is instantly recognizable.  This is frequently as a result of their intimate friendship with God the Father. Among them is St Therese of Lisieux and many people reported that from her grave, a smell of roses was a constant occurrence. Many others reported a particular smell around the body of St Pio of Pietralcina, a mixture of roses, violets and incense. This was common also when he still had the stigmata. The incorrupt body of St Rita of Cascia also emits a constant perfume, even though her coffin is encased in glass. Similar reports are recorded with St Catherine of Siena, St John Bosco and St Teresa of Avila. It’s worth noting that these phenomena reflect only the spiritual sign of a holy life lived by that particular saint, and they have no effect on the process of canonization. The church considers the perfume as a sign not as a proof of holiness.