St. Teresa of Avila, her prayer and history
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Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God (Good) never changes. Patience obtains all things. Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God (Good). God (Good) alone suffices. All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted. The tree that is beside the running water is fresher and gives more fruit. |
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St. Teresa was born in Avila on March 28, 1515, a small town in central Spain.
March 28th is celebrated as her feast day.
Teresa came from a relatively wealthy family. Her mother died when Teresa was 13.
At about age 17, not having a future husband, she decided to enter the convent, which she had a predisposition to do, anyway.
She was not the quiet, reserved type of nun. She was fun, funny, on-the-go. And she saw visions.
She is associated with the brown habit, white veil, and the "pierced heart" depicted on her statues. It is said she had a fragrance of roses about her.
She established several convents in Spain, some of which were not readly accepted by her superiors at the beginning. She traveled a lot, and wrote several books.
Teresa died in 1582, at the age of 67, which was long-lived in those days.
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