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Santa Teresa de Jesús
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Santa Teresa de Jesús, also known as Saint Teresa of Ávila, was a Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and writer.
Birth and Death Dates
She was born on March 28, 1515, in Ávila, Spain, and died on October 4, 1582, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Santa Teresa de Jesús was a Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, writer, and spiritual leader.
Early Life and Background
Born into a noble family, Santa Teresa was one of 12 children. Her early life was marked by a desire to serve God, which led her to enter the convent at the age of 20. However, she left after only two years due to disagreements with the abbess. She later returned to the convent and made significant contributions to the Carmelite Order.
Major Accomplishments
Santa Teresa de Jesús was instrumental in reforming the Carmelite Order, establishing new monasteries, and writing spiritual texts that emphasized the importance of prayer, contemplation, and interior transformation. Her writings include "The Interior Castle," which is considered one of the most important works on Christian mysticism.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of her notable works include:
"The Interior Castle": A spiritual treatise that describes a journey through seven mansions or stages of contemplation.
"The Way of Perfection": A guide for beginners in the spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of humility and detachment.
* "The Book of Foundations": A collection of letters and documents detailing her efforts to reform the Carmelite Order.
Santa Teresa de Jesús also established 17 convents and was a pioneer in promoting education and healthcare among women. Her legacy extends beyond her own lifetime, as she continues to inspire spiritual seekers and scholars around the world.
Impact and Legacy
Santa Teresa's impact on Western spirituality is immeasurable. She played a significant role in the Counter-Reformation, promoting Catholic orthodoxy and encouraging spiritual renewal within the Church. Her writings have influenced countless people, from saints and mystics to artists and writers. Today, she remains one of the most revered figures in Christian history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Santa Teresa de Jesús is widely quoted and remembered for her profound insights into the human condition, her unwavering commitment to prayer and contemplation, and her tireless efforts to reform the Church. Her legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers, artists, writers, and scholars, making her one of the most enduring figures in Christian history.
Quotes by Santa Teresa de Jesús
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For if the will has nothing to employ it and love has no present object with which to busy itself, the soul finds itself without either support or occupation, its solitude and aridity cause it great distress and its thoughts involve it in the severest conflict.
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The devil frequently fills our thoughts with great schemes, so that instead of putting our hands to what work we can do to serve our Lord, we may rest satisfied with wishing to perform impossibilities.
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I cannot think why we should be astonished at all the evils which exist in the Church, when those who ought to be models on which all may pattern their virtues are annulling the work wrought in the religious Orders by the spirit of the saints of old.
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I am quite sure I am more afraid of people who are themselves terrified of the devil than I am of the devil himself.
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Vivo sin vivir en mí... muero porque no muero. (I live without really being alive... I die because I am not dying.)
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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.
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It is of great importance, when we begin to practise prayer, not to let ourselves be frightened by our own thoughts.