The term ''Incorruptibility'' is applied to both Western and Eastern Rite Catholicism. It is described as the ''lack of normal decomposition of a deceased person, normally a Religious''. In many cases, no identifiable forms of preservation techniques are applied, and as such – upon examination by Church and Medical Authority, are deemed a ''Religious Miracle''. In the past Centuries, such miraculous ''signs'' were used to establish Sainthood. In more modern times however, such is not considered a sole reason for Beautification (or the creation of a Saint). Since early Church times, countless examples of incorruptibility have been documented – but few verifiable examples were presented by The Church. Those that were, are truly seen by medical Science as unique to the decomposition process. Without any form of preservation – unlike mummification, practiced for thousands of years in some Countries, such processes are further examined by how the body was kept when buried (environmental conditions etc.) In some cases, Science states that many Religious had very regimented diets. It is thought that many years of various foods and lack of certain meat proteins could add in such preservation. But some examples are somewhat unexplained – even by Science. The most common cited is that of St. Bernadette Soubirous, Most well known for Her Marian Visions experienced at The Grotto of Lourdes, France, She would eventually become a Nun of The Order of Sisters of Charity, in Nevers, France. Suffering from several illnesses, She would die at 35 in the year 1879. Entombed in a simple wooden casket, after many years – several ''Miracles'' were attributed to Religious Laity who petitioned Bernadette for intercession. Advancing Her towards Sainthood, required that Her body be examined in Her Tomb to establish identification. This was first done in the presence of a non-religious Physician in 1909. To the amazement of those present, while Bernadette's cloths were decomposing and a metal Rosary in Her lifeless hands had rusted, Her physical remains showed no evidence of decomposition. In fact, it was remarked – that She ''appeared to have been just recently buried'' – despite 30 years past!
Examined, it was found that when dissected for various bodily relics (another custom of both Religious Beliefs), the flesh was supple and show slight evidence of still having blood and other fluids. Several organs examined were also ''fresh''. All in all, Bernadette's remains should not have been in such a state of preservation. This led to the belief that Her ''interactions'' with The Marian Apparition'' somehow caused the ''miracle''. Washed, and re-clothed – Bernadette's body was re-entombed. 10 years later, in 1919, due to continued ''miracles'' based on reports from The Laity, Bernadette was again examined. This time was no different than the first, with Her body still in an excellent state of preservation. But an observation was made. The exposure to air in 1909, coupled with the soap used to ''wash'' Her body, caused Bernadette's skin to blacken. Further, Her eyes and nose had begun to recede into Her skull. At this point, using photographs of Bernadette – a wax face mask was made to perfectly cover her now damaged face. The same effect was beginning to take over Her exposed hands as well. These too were given a wax covering. She was re-entombed a second time.
In 1933, Bernadette was made a Saint of The Church. Her remains were removed from her original resting place and entombed within a glass reliquary. It was placed in Her Convent Chapel in Nevers, where it remains still. Over the years, many who visited Her remains often mistake Her mask for Her actual incorruptibility. The move was made so as – while perfectly preserved, Her ''blackened appearance'' who not ''shock''. She is just one of many such miraculous examples - which cannot be readily explained by Science in some cases.