Holy Relic of Saint Teresa of Avila
In Ronda we popped into the convent attached to the “Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Merced” - a basilica and home to the holy relic of the incorruptible hand of Saint Teresa of Avila.
I have to admit it was quite humbling to view this relic and ponder on the holy life and sacrifices of the saint.
Legend has it that Franco himself venerated this relic and during his dictatorship kept it in his sleeping quarters. Certainly it was in his possession at the time of his death, after which time the "Discalced Carmelites of Ronda" requested its return, granted in 1976.
On a lighter note, however, I did laugh when Antonio first ushered us into the foyer next to where the relic is contained. This convent is for a cloistered order of nuns. Antonio said that he was going to “talk to the wall ” but that what would be more surprising was that “the wall would speak back”.
This is exactly what happened. But that is not what makes me laugh. What makes me laugh – even in memory – was when Antonio was speaking through the little wooden revolving door to the nun behind it.
She answered and rattled away in rapid Spanish (of course).
Naturally I couldn’t understand anything until she exclaimed in a delighted voice, “ANTONIO!”
We all understood that!
Antonio seemed momentarily startled but then smiled a small smile and looked down, a bit sheepishly I think.
This is what makes me laugh.
Too, too fun she recognized his voice, and given her tone, it was clear Antonio was a welcome, respected and frequent visitor with his groups to their doors.
And what an incredible experience to see such a sacred relic!
Side note: Yes, our cultural connections were more often edible, although not in this case. On the other hand, Antonio purchased some cookies made by the nuns that they sell as a bit of a fund raiser (plus, of course, he make a donation to the convent - as did I, and some others as well).
So we were also got a tasty treat as well.
Antonio knew his flock well.
I have to admit it was quite humbling to view this relic and ponder on the holy life and sacrifices of the saint.
Legend has it that Franco himself venerated this relic and during his dictatorship kept it in his sleeping quarters. Certainly it was in his possession at the time of his death, after which time the "Discalced Carmelites of Ronda" requested its return, granted in 1976.
On a lighter note, however, I did laugh when Antonio first ushered us into the foyer next to where the relic is contained. This convent is for a cloistered order of nuns. Antonio said that he was going to “talk to the wall ” but that what would be more surprising was that “the wall would speak back”.
This is exactly what happened. But that is not what makes me laugh. What makes me laugh – even in memory – was when Antonio was speaking through the little wooden revolving door to the nun behind it.
She answered and rattled away in rapid Spanish (of course).
Naturally I couldn’t understand anything until she exclaimed in a delighted voice, “ANTONIO!”
We all understood that!
Antonio seemed momentarily startled but then smiled a small smile and looked down, a bit sheepishly I think.
This is what makes me laugh.
Too, too fun she recognized his voice, and given her tone, it was clear Antonio was a welcome, respected and frequent visitor with his groups to their doors.
And what an incredible experience to see such a sacred relic!
Side note: Yes, our cultural connections were more often edible, although not in this case. On the other hand, Antonio purchased some cookies made by the nuns that they sell as a bit of a fund raiser (plus, of course, he make a donation to the convent - as did I, and some others as well).
So we were also got a tasty treat as well.
Antonio knew his flock well.