Feast of Saint Teresa of Ávila,

Today, October 15, 2025, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish mystic, writer, and Carmelite nun. Born on March 28, 1515, Saint Teresa is one of the most important figures in Catholic mysticism, renowned for her deep spirituality and significant contributions to Catholic mysticism through her writings.

Her life was marked by a series of spiritual awakenings and visions that ultimately led her to reform the Carmelite Order. With the help of Saint John of the Cross, she founded the Discalced Carmelites, a branch of the order that emphasized simplicity, poverty, and contemplation.

Saint Teresa's early life was marked by a happy childhood and a fascination with novels about chivalry. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she was struck by a serious illness and experienced a profound spiritual crisis. This led her to join the Carmelite monastery of the Incarnation at Avila, where she would later become a prominent figure in the Order's reform.

Her spirituality was characterized by her intense devotion to prayer and her desire to return to the original ideals of the Carmelite Order. She founded several monasteries in Castile, including two convents of Discalced Carmelites. Her writings, including "The Interior Castle" and "The Way, of Perfection," are considered some of the most important works of Catholic mysticism.

Some of her most notable works include "The Interior Castle," a spiritual guide that describes the journey of the soul towards God through seven stages of elevation, and "The Way of Perfection," a guidebook for her nuns, offering practical advice on prayer, humility, and community life.

Saint Teresa of Ávila's legacy extends far beyond her writings. She was a woman of unwavering faith and determination, who defied convention to follow her calling. Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her faith and her order. In recognition of her contributions to Catholic theology and spirituality, Saint Teresa was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970, the first woman to receive this honor alongside St. Catherine of Siena. She remains a model of devotion, compassion, and courage, and her feast day is a testament to her enduring legacy.