Tom Faranda's Folly

St. Teresa of Avila, Feast Day today

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by

Tom Faranda
in

THE PICTURE: Is probably the closest image of her that exists. It was painted in 1576 when she was 61. Teresa did not like it; said it made her “look like an old hag.”

One of the truly great Catholic mystics, and one of the first women – the other is Catherine of Siena – to be declared a Doctor of the Church, in 1970 by Pope Paul VI. Her mystical writings are very accessible to regular people (like me). Especially The Interior Castle.

Below I’ve lifted some material from Franciscan Media about her as well as their ad for a book about all four women Doctors of the Church.  The book is available  here and I will probably pick it up the kindle edition for the $9.99 cost. Or here’s another option about Teresa – Saint Teresa of Avila for Every Day: Reflections from The Interior Castle.

Today is St. Teresa of Avila’s Feast Day

Pray for us!

 

Teresa of Avila had no desire to be set apart as “the holy one,” because she believed she was far from perfect. She told a priest, “During my lifetime, I have been told that I was handsome and I believed it; that I was clever and I thought it was true; and that I was a Saint, but I always knew that people were mistaken on that score.”

 

Teresa’s reputation for sanctity spread, in spite of her protests, among those who weren’t blinded by jealousy. Try as she might to bring her flaws to light, the Light of Christ shone more brightly within her. This holy radiance shone around her and all the saints because they carried Jesus within them. Saint Teresa’s life of prayer made this divine presence possible.

 

 
AccidentalTheologian
Use discount code Avila19 and get 30% off.
 
Simply click here to buy this book.

Accidental Theologians

Four women—Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, and Thérèse of Lisieux—have been honored with the title “Doctor of the Church.” Elizabeth Dreyer examines the history-changing effect each of their unique theologies have had on our Church and our world.

 

Dreyer explains how our understanding of the cross, the incarnation of the Holy Spirit, and the human person have been enhanced by the work of these women. They may not have planned to be thought of as theologians, but reading about their lives, teaching, and writings will have a profound effect on how you live your faith. 

 

 

 

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