Life of St. Teresa by Saint Teresa of Avila

The Life of St. Teresa is the story of the beloved Doctor of the Church as written by herself. Born in the Castilian town of Ávila in 1515, Teresa entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation when she was twenty-one. Suffering great illness, as wells as doubts and self-recrimination, she gradually came to a deeper understanding of the power of prayer and contemplation, and the road to spiritual perfection. Her spiritual enlightenment was intensified by many visions and mystical experiences, including the incredible piercing of her heart by a spear of divine love. Over the years she went on to found seventeen Carmelite monasteries throughout Spain, and was a much needed reformer of the Carmelite Order. Considered to be, along with John of the Cross, a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. Famous world-wide for her writings, her works are second in readership among Spanish classics only to the great Don Quixote!

Like many of her writings, her autobiography is enlightening, yet exhortative, seeking to instruct the reader on how to live a more devout Christian life in the manner put forth by the Catholic Church. The Saint’s spiritual struggles, vision of her potential place in Hell, and mystical graces highlighted in this work are deeply moving–yet ,in spite of her high degree of sanctity and closeness to spiritual perfection, she remained very down to earth, making her a favorite among the saints. The Life of Saint Teresa is a must read for anyone seeking a more contemplative life and a closer and more spiritual connection with God through prayer and religious devotion.

13 Hours and 17 Minutes.

You can purchase The Life of St. Teresa by Saint Teresa of Avila here.