St. Teresa of Ávila
Spanish Discalced Carmelite mystic and reformer (1515-1582), of Castilian Jewish-converso descent; entered Carmel at 20, but only after 1554 underwent the conversion that produced the great mystical works ("Life," "Way of Perfection," "Interior Castle," "Foundations"). With St. John of the Cross, reformed the Carmelite Order, founding 17 houses of the Discalced. First female Doctor of the Church (1970).
Life & Times
Born: 1515 · Died: 1582 · From: Spain.
Patronage
St. Teresa of Ávila is invoked as the patron of headache sufferers, spanish catholic writers, chess players, traditional, contemplatives. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”— 'Bookmark of St. Teresa,' found in her breviary after her death (1582)
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Devotional items honoring St. Teresa of Ávila, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Teresa of Ávila, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.