Hundreds of faithful awaited the opening of the basilica’s doors. The veneration began with the symbolic opening of the basilica’s doors. The mayor of the city, Concepción Miguélez, handed the keys to the temple to the bishop of the Diocese of Salamanca, José Luis Retana, who opened the doors after a prayer.

During the ceremony, the president of the Regional Government of Castile and León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, presented the Order of Discalced Carmel with a commemorative lithograph depicting the nine foundations that Saint Teresa of Jesus carried out in Castile and León. The work, steeped in symbolism, includes the names of Ávila, Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Salamanca, Alba de Tormes, Segovia, Palencia, Soria, and Burgos, underscoring the strong bond between the saint and this land, which was the setting for her tireless reforming and founding work.

After the ringing of the bells, the President of the Junta of Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, along with the Bishop of the Diocese of Salamanca, Monsignor José Luis Retana, the Mayor of the city, Concepción Miguélez, the President of the Salamanca Provincial Council, Javier Iglesias, the Provincial Superior of the Iberian Province, Father Francisco Sánchez Oreja, and the Prior of the Alba de Tormes community, Father Miguel Ángel González, were the first to venerate the body of Saint Teresa, located in the atrium of the Basilica of the Annunciation.

The prior of the Alba de Tormes community, Father Miguel Ángel González, emphasized that we are witnessing a historic event. “Public veneration has only taken place three times since the saint’s death in 1582. It was in 1760, 1914, and now in 2025,” the prior of Alba de Tormes recalled.

Furthermore, Father Miguel Ángel González reported that many groups have announced their presence in Alba de Tormes until May 25th. “We have received countless messages from groups in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Latin America, and Asia. We look forward to seeing you so you can meet Teresa of Jesus,” the Discalced Carmelite declared.

For her part, the mayor of the ducal town, Concepción Miguélez, reported on the various actions that have been carried out, in coordination with other institutions, to ensure everything is ready. In this regard, he thanked the Salamanca Government Subdelegation and the Provincial Council for their help in coordinating the various activities.

“Alba de Tormes is prepared and excited. We believe that thousands of pilgrims will arrive, and the city is ready to receive them. These will be days of welcome and excitement,” concluded Miguélez.

Key Dates of the Veneration

On Wednesday, May 14, the Eucharist will be presided over by Monsignor Luis Argüello, Archbishop of Valladolid and President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference. On Thursday, May 15, at 12:30 p.m., the Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, Monsignor Bernardito Cleopas Auza, will also preside over a special Mass of veneration at 12:30 p.m. The Duke of Alba and various authorities will attend this celebration, including the Mayor of Valladolid, Jesús Julio Canero, as president of Huella de Teresa, along with several mayors of Teresian cities.

On Sunday the 18th at 1:00 p.m., Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela will preside over the Holy Mass, which will be sung by Hakuna, a group that will lead a Holy Hour at 5:30 p.m.

Among the highlights, the official presentation of the bust “Vera Effigies” will take place on Tuesday, May 20th at 10:00 p.m., a sculptural work by Australian artist Jennifer Mann. Mann will be present at the event along with church and civil authorities.

One of the most anticipated moments will come on Saturday, May 24th, when an extraordinary procession with the image of Saint Teresa of Jesus will be held through the streets of Alba de Tormes at 7:00 p.m., accompanied by the Alba de Tormes Music Band and various brotherhoods from various locations in the Diocese of Salamanca and the Teresian places of Ávila and Malagón (Ciudad Real).

That same evening, a prayer vigil will be held at the basilica, open to all who wish to extend this spiritual gathering in silence and contemplation.

The official closing of the veneration will be on Sunday, May 25th, with a solemn Mass presided over by Father Miguel Márquez Calle, General of the Order of Discalced Carmel.

Bishops from different dioceses and various religious, civil, and academic representatives have confirmed their attendance in Alba de Tormes on the days of veneration of Saint Teresa of Jesus.

This program, designed with profound respect and devotion, aims to offer attendees a living experience of the Teresian charism, while fostering prayer, contemplation, and the unity of the community of believers around one of the most universal figures of Christianity.