The Saints: St. Teresa of Avila

1515 - 1582

Feast – Oct. 15

A devout Spanish child who ran away to seek martyrdom among the Moors. Teresa entered the Carmelites at 21 and, after 18 years under a relaxed rule, sought more austerity. Her reforms initially were opposed, but the opening of a new convent in 1562 was followed by widespread changes and the founding of numerous convents. Her intense spirituality is chronicled in such classics as “The Interior Castle” and“ The Way of Perfection.” This mystic was named a doctor of the Church in 1970.