Saint Teresa of Avila - October 15 (1515 - 1582)
Virgin and Doctor
St. Teresa was born at Avila, Spain, on March 28, 1515, the daughter of an influential family in that town. Lively and affectionate by nature, she made friends easily and adapted readily to any circumstance.
As a child she was drawn to religion. She and her small brother avidly read the lives of the saints and once even attempted to leave home to die for their faith among the Moors in Africa. They were quickly returned home. Teresa's religious values weakened in her teen-age years. In 1531, however, she suddenly decided to enter the Carmelite monastery at Avila over her father's objection. She was professed in 1538. After a period of sickness and religious mediocrity, she began to experience great graces of prayer in her late thirties. She described her experiences with remarkable skill in writings that have become spiritual classics. Her autobiography, "The Way of Perfection," and "The Interior Castle" have inspired and guided countless people in their spiritual lives. Teresa decided to reform her own Carmelite community with the help of Sts. Peter of Alcantara and John of the Cross and she established new monasteries throughout Spain. Despite much opposition she went about her task with a good disposition and great common sense. She was both a mystic and practical apostle. As she lay dying, the Holy Eucharist was brought to her bedside. "O my Lord, now it is time that we may see each other," she exclaimed. She died at Alba de Tormes, Spain, on October 4, 1582, surrounded by her sisters who had been enriched so much by her wisdom and example. She is a Doctor of the Church.
Copyright © by Welcome to St Paul the Apostle Parish All Right Reserved.
