St. Teresa was a Carmelite nun, born in Avila, Spain. From
hesitant beginnings, including an uncertain entry into the Carmelite Order, Teresa went on
to develop an incredibly strong relationship with God, marked by a gift of insightful
prayer. Teresa felt dissatisfied with the earthly trappings of her congregation sisters,
including their focus on external, social, and monetary matters. She went on to form her
own branch of the order, known as the Discalced Carmelites. In this way, Teresa was able to
teach and lead others to the life of faith and prayer she had been shown by the Lord.
A well known writer, Teresa was also a mystic of the Church.
Teresa's written works tell her life story, which grew to be a life in Christ. Her
writings include The Interior Castle, and The Way of Perfection, and
reflect her union with God, her humility, and her sense of humor. Teresa serves as an
excellent model for students, who may often feel unworthy of God's gifts, caught up in
material concerns, or unable to pray 'the right way.' She was a brilliant, witty,
and humble servant of God, whose earthly struggles are as common today as they were four
hundred years ago.
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