The Basics: Born March 28, 1515, in Spain; died October 4, 1582, in Spain; canonized March 12, 1622, by Pope Gregory XV; feast day, October 15. Woman religious, author, Doctor of the Church.
The Story: Today marks the beginning of Teresa’s fifth centenary year. What a life it was, one that confounds any stereotypical 
pigeonholing, one of mysticism and practicality and earthly struggle. She was born into a wealthy family, and in her youth was described as beautiful and flirtatious. Teresa’s wonderful writings on prayer, for which she was named one of the first female Doctors of the Catholic Church, are mystical in nature. Yet she also was so dissatisfied with the laissez-faire atmosphere at her convent that she founded a reformed, back-to-the-basics order. It’s also worth noting that this woman to whom we turn to for assistance in deepening our prayer lives struggled with prayer herself into her forties before she found a special union with the Lord.
St. Teresa’s Wisdom: “God is not only found on your knees before the altar, but in the kitchen, among the pots and pans.“
What We Can Learn: Holiness can be found anywhere, from our joyful friendships to our more challenging tasks and relationships. Make a list of five places, easy and hard, where you will find the Lord today.
To Learn More About St. Teresa: Teresa’s major shrine is in Alba de Tormes, Spain, and the town Web site shares information about her life and related sites.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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