Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582)


Teresa Ali Fatim Corella Sanchez de Capeda y Ahumada was born in Avila, Spain, in 1582.  

Her story is rather remarkable, as we can see in this EWTN summary:
Teresa was canonized in 1662. 
Shortly after her death, Philip II, keenly aware of the Carmelite nun's contribution to Catholicism, had her manuscripts collected and brought to his great palace of the Escorial, and there placed in a rich case, the key of which he carried on his person. These writings were edited for publication by two Dominican scholars and brought out in 1587. 
Subsequently her works have appeared in uncounted Spanish editions, and have been translated into many languages. An ever-spreading circle of readers through the centuries have found understanding and courage in the life and works of this nun of Castile, who is one of the glories of Spain and of the Church. 
Teresa's emblems are a heart, an arrow, and a book.