Grace and Space

Born at Avila, Spain, 28 March, 1515; St. Teresa died at Alba de Tormes, 4 Oct., 1582. Her mother died when the saint was only 14 years old. Teresa was brought up by her saintly father.  After the marriage of her eldest sister, Teresa was sent for her education to the Augustinian nuns at Avila. Despite the opposition of her father, she entered the Carmelite monastery. After her profession in the following year she became very seriously ill. At the age of 39, she started to reform the Carmelite Order, establishing new houses, and receiving special graces of visions and dialogue with Jesus himself. Her long list of spiritual directors included St. Francis Xavier and other saints, but her most favorite was St. John of the Cross. St. Teresa of Avila is remembered for her holy and mystical books which made her a doctor of the Church. Her most repeated  writings are the following:

Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God, lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

 Novena to St. Teresa of Avila