Biography
“Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”[1] St. Teresa was born in Avila, Spain in 1515. At age 20, she entered the Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation in Avila. Shortly after her profession, St. Teresa became seriously ill, which required a lengthy recuperation. After an encouraging visit by the Carmelite General at the time, John Baptist Rubeo, St. Teresa resolved to found new Carmelite convents committed to lives of poverty, seclusion and prayer. Also, she experienced many visions and mystical impressions and began to write spiritual books about them. Her important works include The Interior Castle, The Way of Perfection and her autobiography, The Life of Teresa of Jesus. St. Teresa was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI. [2] Written by Sarah Ciotti Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD [1] St. Teresa of Jesus, “God Suffices,” quoted by Benedict XVI in General Audience, February 2, 2011. [2] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Teresa of Avila.” Thank you for praying with us. If you feel called, your Lenten offering helps carry this prayer to more hearts and languages. Contribute now