Meanings
The odour of sanctity can be understood to mean two things:
- An ontological state (a state of being), not usually related to an actual olfactory sensation, indicating that the individual possessing it is in a state of grace (i.e., a state characterized by the absence of mortal sin). Usually refers to the state of an individual's soul at the time of death. Some canonized saints are said to have died in an odour of sanctity.
- An actual odour (scent or aroma) present at the time of death and for some time thereafter.
Read more about this topic: Odour Of Sanctity
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