<p>Teresa was born in Avila, Spain, on March 28, 1515, and died in 1582. Of the many women who have exercised leadership roles in the Church, Teresa must surely be considered among the greatest.</p>
<p>When she entered the Carmelite convent, some thought Teresa was a spoiled young woman with an unremarkable prayer life. She soon advanced in prayer, experiencing visions and hearing voices. Dissatisfied with the laxity she perceived among religious, she determined to institute reforms and established St Joseph's Convent where enclosure and a strict rule prevailed. With the assistance of Peter of Alcantara and John of the Cross, Teresa succeeded in founding the reformed (Discalced) Carmelite orders of nuns and friars.</p>
<p>Teresa wrote several works which are considered classics of spiritual literature, including <em>The Way of Perfection</em> and <em>The Interior Castle</em>. A great mystic, and a strong, intelligent and active leader, Teresa was canonized in 1622 and in 1970 became the first woman to be declared a Doctor of the Church. She is patroness of Spain.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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