Saint Teresa of Avila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish Carmelite nun, mystic, writer and theologian. She was born in Gotarrendura, Spain on March 28, 1515, and lived during the Renaissance period. Teresa is renowned for her significant contributions to Christian mysticism and her reform efforts within the Carmelite Order. Her feast day is celebrated on October 15th.
She entered the Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation in Ávila at the age of 20, and it was there that she began her spiritual journey. Over the years, she had profound mystical experiences and visions, which she documented in her writings. Her most famous works include “The Interior Castle” and “The Way of Perfection,” both of which continue to be influential in the field of Christian spirituality.
Saint Teresa was a strong advocate for reform within the Carmelite Order. She sought to return to the order’s original principles of simplicity and contemplative prayer, and she established a new order, the Discalced Carmelites, dedicated to these ideals. Her efforts to reform the Carmelite Order brought her into conflict with the established authorities of the Church, but her dedication to a deeper, more contemplative spiritual life ultimately prevailed.
Saint Teresa of Avila is celebrated for his wisdom, her writings on prayer and spirituality and her lasting impact on the Catholic Church. She was canonized in 1614 and later named a Doctor of the Church for her significant theological contributions.
Here are 5 simple ways to celebrate.
Read Saint Teresa of Avila’s writings
Saint Teresa of Avila is famous for her spiritual writings, including “The Interior Castle” and “The Way of Perfection.” Celebrate her by reading her works and reflection on their wisdom.
Pray or meditate
Spend some time in prayer or meditation, following in Saint Teresa’s footsteps. You can use her writings as a source of inspiration for your prayer or meditation sessions. She believed that prayer was really about becoming friends with God.
Celebrate a woman in your life
Saint Teresa was the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church. Today, there are only four female doctors. Think of a woman in your own life who has impacted your spiritual life. Reach out to thank them, send them flowers, or just simply pray for them.
Acts of kindness or charity
Saint Teresa of Avila was dedicated to helping others by performing acts of kindness and charity. Spend some time volunteering at a local charity, donating to a worthy cause or performing random acts of kindness to strangers.
Eat Spanish Food
Saint Teresa of Avila is from Spain. Eat traditional Spanish food like paella for dinner and churros for dessert (you can even get them from Costco).
Prayers by Saint Teresa of Avila
“Christ has no body but yours” prayer
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which He looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are His body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
“Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You” prayer
Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You,
Always follow Your plans,
And perfectly accomplish Your holy will.
Grant that in all things, great and small,
Today and all the days of my life,
I may do whatever You may require of me.
Help me to respond to the slightest prompting of Your grace,
So that I may be your trustworthy instrument, for Your honor.
May your will be done in time and eternity – by me, in me, and through me.
Amen.
Shop our Saint Teresa of Avila prints!
Saint Teresa of Avila 16x20 Print
This is a 16x20 Art Print in black calligraphy of this beautiful prayer by Saint Teresa of Avila. It does not come framed. Click here to purchase.
May Today There Be Peace Within Print
This print is a 16x20 print of the first line of Saint Teresa of Avila's prayer. A simple reminder to take a deep breath and turn to God in the hustle and bustle of the day. Click here to purchase.
Looking for inspiration on how to celebrate the liturgical seasons and feast days?
Living The Seasons: Simple Ways To Celebrate The Beauty Of Your Faith Throughout The Year is a full-color guide to creatively celebrate our faith. Each page is filled with beautiful inspiration with effortless directions to celebrate feast days, holy days and seasons within the Church. This will be your resource for living liturgically! Now available to order on our website.
