ST. TERESA OF AVILA
Vivacious, charming, intelligent: this was the child born in Avila, to the Catholic Spaniards Alonzo y Cepeda and Beatriz de Ahumada on 28 March 1515. Beatriz died twelve years later. The whole family, and Teresa in particular, was profoundly affected by the death of this greatly loved wife and mother.
The Carmelite Monastery of the Incarnation, Avila, was home to some 150
nuns when it opened its door to receive the twenty year-old Teresa. Happiness
became her lot despite sickness and an inner struggle lasting twenty years.
Loving and lovable by nature, Teresa's capacity for friendship received
a new impetus when she realised twenty years later that Christ himself
was her true friend. This relationship was the foundation of her prayer.
Friendship demands intimacy - a small group of praying women, devoted to Christ and his mother Mary, living simply as sisters and in friendship; a modest secluded property but hearts open to the concerns of Christ - this was the vision of Teresa and her friends. St Joseph's, Avila is that reality still today and in over 800 other locations worldwide.
Teresa died in Alba de Tormes in 1582. Canonized in 1622, she became in
1970, together with Catherine of Siena, one of the first two women Doctors
of the Church in recognition of the wisdom of her life and her teachings.
Her autobiography and letters are widely available. The Way of Perfection
and the Interior Castle contain much on prayer.