St. Teresa of Ávila, also called St. Teresa of Jesus, was baptized as Teresa Sanchez de Cepeda y Ahumada. She was born on March 28, 1515 and died on October 4, 1582. This year, 2015, marks the 500th anniversary, or Fifth Centenary, of her birth. Here’s a short biography from Magnificat:
Teresa initiated the reform of the Carmelites with John of the Cross in 1562. Enduring intense criticism from her sisters in religion and frequent illness, Teresa found seventeen convents in her lifetime. She insisted that her sisters live simply, in the imitation of Christ’s poverty on the cross. In her writings, she shared the abundance of her own inner life….Her writings on prayer earned her the title of Doctor of the Church in 1970.
Just think of it — founding 17 convents in the 16th century when communications and travels were serious obstacles to overcome. She was in her late forties when she began her foundation work. Teresa was a gifted organizer endowed with common sense, tact, intelligence, courage and humor. She purified the religious life of Spain and strengthened the Roman Catholic church from within during the time of the Protestant Reformation. She died at the age of 67 and was canonized in 1622.
Saint Theresa gifted us with her spiritual teachings and her faithful Carmelites that continue to shine Christ’s love in this world.
Artwork: Gérard, François. St. Teresa. 1819–20. N.p.