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St. Teresa of Avila
St. Teresa was a veteran at fighting challenges separating her from her Lord. She entered the convent at 20 years of age, against much opposition from her farther, only to return to his house after a short time and near death with a puzzling paralysis. After recovering form her coma, Teresa remained paralyzed for another three years and suffered great physical pain over the next 20 years. St. Teresa is particularly well know as the author of two “classic” books on spirituality: “The Way of Perfection” and “The Interior Castle,” which delve into the subject of “mental prayer.” St. Teresa died on October 4, 1582 at the age of 67.
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St. Teresa, along with St. Catherine of Siena , were the first two women officially named as “Doctors of the Church.” (Later, St. Therese of Lisieux was also accorded this honor.) Born during the Protestant Reformation, St. Teresa herself became a “reformer” of convent life. After living in a Carmelite convent for several years and thoroughly enjoying the “social” elements of convent life, Teresa realized that she was missing her calling of giving herself completely to God. She went on to found a new order of “reformed Carmelites” under much resistance from the Church and the local townspeople. 