Teresa of Ávila was a Spanish nun, author, mystic, and religious reformer. As a member of the Roman Catholic counter-reformation, Teresa sought to reform the Carmelite monastic orders. She wrote many influential works, including the classic of personal examination, “The Interior Castle.” Teresa faced opposition from many in Roman Catholic leadership. A legate of the Pope described her as a “restless wanderer, disobedient, and stubborn femina.” Despite this, she produced a large library of writings on Spirituality and theology. 40 years after her death she was named a saint by the Roman Catholic Church and, later, named the first female “Doctor of the Church” (an exclusive, small list of particularly influential saints posthumously recognized for their influence on theology and doctrine).
O God, your blessed Son became poor for our sake, and chose the Cross over the kingdoms of this world: Deliver us from an inordinate love of worldly things, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Teresa of Ávila, may seek you with singleness of heart, behold your glory by faith, and attain to the riches of your everlasting kingdom, where we shall be united with our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
“Our Church Speaks” is an illustration series inspired by the commemorations of saints in the Book of Common Prayer
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