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[[Image:Teresaofavila.jpg|230px|right]]

[[Image:Teresaofavila.jpg|230px|right]]

'''St. Teresa of Avila''' was born in Avila, Spain (b. 1515, died 1582). Teresa was a woman of prayer, discipline and compassion. Her heart belonged to God. Her own conversion was lifelong struggle, involving ongoing purification and suffering. She was misunderstood, misjudged, opposed in nearly all her efforts yet she she was determined, courageous and faithful to [[God]]. Teresa became an energetic reformer. She is the founder of the Discalced Carmelites. Her writings on mystical prayer earned her sainthood and she ultimately became a [[Doctor of the Church]].

'''St. Teresa of Avila''' was born in Avila, Spain (b. 1515, died 1582). Teresa was a woman of prayer, discipline and compassion. Her heart belonged to God. Her own conversion was a lifelong struggle, involving ongoing purification and suffering. She was misunderstood, misjudged, opposed in nearly all her efforts yet she she was determined, courageous and faithful to [[God]]. Teresa became an energetic reformer. She is the founder of the Discalced Carmelites. Her writings on mystical prayer earned her sainthood and she ultimately became a [[Doctor of the Church]].

At St. Joseph's, she was ordered  to write a book of her life. Many people questioned her experiences and this book would either clear her or condemn her. Teresa purposely followed a profound thought with the statement, "But what do I know. I'm just a wretched woman." The Inquisition liked what they read and cleared her.

At St. Joseph's, she was ordered  to write a book of her life. Many people questioned her experiences and this book would either clear her or condemn her. Teresa purposely followed a profound thought with the statement, "But what do I know. I'm just a wretched woman." The Inquisition liked what they read and cleared her.

Teresa made the acquaintance with [[St. John of the Cross]] and prior of Medina, Antonio de Heredia. In 1568, she established her reform among the friars.

Teresa met the acquaintance of [[St. John of the Cross]] and prior of Medina, Antonio de Heredia. In 1568, she established her reform among the friars.

Teresa would address her nuns, teaching them therein the major virtues that demand their solicitude, casting further light on the practice of prayer. Her convents would spread first Medina del Campo (1567), then Malagon and Valladolid (1568), Toledo and Pastrana (1569), Salamanca (1570), Alba de Tormes (1571), Segovia (1574), Veas and Seville (1575), and Caravaca (1576). In the "Book of Foundations", she tells the story of these convents, nearly all of which were established in spite of violent opposition but with manifest assistance from above. <ref>[http://home.newadvent.org/cathen/14515b.htm St. Teresa of Avila] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref>

Teresa would address her nuns, teaching them therein the major virtues that demand their solicitude, casting further light on the practice of prayer. Her convents would spread first Medina del Campo (1567), then Malagon and Valladolid (1568), Toledo and Pastrana (1569), Salamanca (1570), Alba de Tormes (1571), Segovia (1574), Veas and Seville (1575), and Caravaca (1576). In the "Book of Foundations", she tells the story of these convents, nearly all of which were established in spite of violent opposition but with manifest assistance from above. <ref>[http://home.newadvent.org/cathen/14515b.htm St. Teresa of Avila] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref>

==Writings==

==Writings==

Teresa would write many more books that analyzed and dissects mystical experiences. Some of her greatest works include the Way of Perfection and the Interior Castle. Also, her biography, the Life of Teresa of Avila. The Interior Castle is the soul, in the center of which dwells the Trinity. Growth in prayer enables the individual to enter into deeper intimacy with God.

Teresa would write many more books that analyzed and dissects mystical experiences. Some of her greatest works include the Way of Perfection and the Interior Castle. Also her biography, the Life of Teresa of Avila. The Interior Castle is the soul, in the center of which dwells the Trinity. Growth in prayer enables the individual to enter into deeper intimacy with God. Different stages are reflected as different rooms within the castle.

==Canonized==

==Canonized==

She was beatified in 1614, and canonized in 1622 by Gregory XV.

She was beatified in 1614, and canonized in 1622 by Gregory XV.

St. Teresa is the patron saint of Headache sufferers. She is the patroness Saint of [[Spain]].

St. Teresa is the patron saint of headache sufferers. She is the patroness [[Saint]] of [[Spain]].

==External Links==

==External Links==