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Saint Teresa of Avila Saint Teresa of Avila

She was born in 1515 as Teresa Capeda de Ahumada in Avila, Castile. She died on October 4 October 1582 in Alba de Tormes.
The daughter of Spanish noble parents, she grew up reading the lives of the saints and playing at "hermit" in the garden. Crippled by disease in her youth, she was cured after prayers to Saint Joseph. Her mother died when Teresa was 12, and she prayed to Our Lady to be her replacement.

She became a Carmelite nun at 17. After that she founded several convents She was a mystic, very passionately dedicated to God, she is the author of several books including "Way of Perfection" a book of maxims and counsels for all the daughters and sisters in religion belonging to her convents, a true expression of Teresa's spirituality.

Quoting from her writings: "Let nothing trouble you, let nothing make you afraid. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains everything. God alone is enough."

"I mean that the King of Glory will not come to our souls-- that is, so as to be united with them -- unless we strive to gain the greatest virtues."

 

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Saint Teresa of Avila