Teresa was born in 1515 at Avila in Spain. She was born in age of political, social and religious upheaval: it was an age of turmoil and reform. There were three aspects of Teresa through which God has blessed the Church and the world: she was a woman,; she became a contemplative and she was an active reformer. She joined the Carmelite Order and after a few years spent in pleasure-seeking life she changed her life. Then she became a contemplate. Now we find her to be a woman who was beautiful, talented, outgoing, adaptable, affectionate, courageous, enthusiastic; she was totally human. Teresa gradually grew into a woman of prayer, discipline and compassion.
    She under took the reform of the Order and with this she was greatly assisted by Saint John of the Cross. The reform caused her many great trials but she was able to overcome them by her indomitable will. She founded over six new monasteries. She travelled, wrote and always tried to renew the Order. Her books are as popular to today as ever they were. They are a great source of help to people who are on the way to closer union to God.
    She died in 1582. She was the first woman to be made a Doctor of the Church.

For more information contact The Director