Saint Teresa of Jesus

Saint Teresa of Jesus, also known as, Saint Teresa of Avila, was born in the town of Avila, Spain in 1515. She became a nun in the Carmelite Order and made great progress in the way of perfection and enjoyed mystical revelations. Saint Teresa reformed the order with much courage. She also wrote books filled with sublime doctrine, which was the fruit of her own spiritual life. She died in 1582. Saint Teresa was named a Doctor of the Church in 1970 (Magnificat, 193). There is a quote that did catch my attention about Saint Teresa and it is worth repeating. The basis for this quote comes from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians (5:17) which says, "Pray without ceasing." "Saint Teresa was a woman of remarkable integration: she worked as hard as Martha at the many tasks of establishing convents of the Carmelite reform, but she drew her energy from the hours she spent, with Mary, sitting at the Lord's feet and listening to him speak. Working or praying, she found her delight in Christ's company" (Magnificat, 191). A beautiful thought for all of us, to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to his words because as Saint Peter said, "Lord, you have the words of everlasting life." Let us always take the time to pray and be strengthened by Saint Teresa's intercession each and every day. God Bless You!!!