Saint Teresa of Avila (Teresa of Jesus)

October 15 – St. Teresa of Avila, Renewer of the Church – also called St. Teresa of Jesus, (March 28, 1515 – October 4, 1582)

A prominent Spanish mystic and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer. Her book, El Castillo Interior (The Interior Castle), is an integral part of Christian mysticism and Christian meditation practices.

The Ecumenical Community of Taizé provides a well-known musical setting of the following text –

“Nada te turbe”
Let nothing disturb thee,
Nothing affright thee;
All thing are passing;
God never changeth;
Patient endurance
Attaineth to all things;
Who God possesseth
In nothing is wanting
Alone God sufficeth.
~Teresa of Avila

~Image – Teresa of Ávila by the French painter François Gérard (1770−1837)