Overview

St. Teresa of Avila, one of the most interesting and important figures in the history of the Catholic Church, was also one of the most candid, entertaining, and brilliant correspondents of her century. This selection of letters offers a unique ""behind the scenes"" look at this extraordinary Doctor of the Church with details of her life not originally meant for the public. The letters begin when St. Teresa was 46—two years before she founded her first convent for Carmelite reform in Avila, Spain—and continue until her death 21 years later. She exhibits worries, troubles, sadness, joy, triumphs, and questions throughout. Recipients of these letters, and the people discussed in them, include some of the famous and fascinating figures of late 16-century Catholic Europe: St. John of the Cross and Philip II of Spain. The story these letters tell is one of enduring importance to the history of the Church. From nascent beginnings to more detailed plans, it is possible throughout St. Teresa of Avila: Her Life in Letters to witness the birth of Spanish mysticism, the reform of the Carmelite Order, and the experiences of contemplative prayer and meditation that resulted in The Interior Castle.

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9780870613135

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In these letters, beautifully rendered, the voice is very much alive, conveying the spiritual force (and rich humor) that changed so many hearts--and so changed the course of history. --Mike Aquilina, Author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects Through her writings, St. Teresa often had heart-to-heart conversations with those she loved. Her Life in Letters is not to be read as an academic treatise; rather, St. Teresa's letters invite us to sit with her and learn from her experience, her grace, and her heart. Those who do just might find a new, lifelong friend. --From the preface by Sr. Regina Marie Gorman, O.C.D., Vicar general of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles

In these letters, beautifully rendered, the voice is very much alive, conveying the spiritual force (and rich humor) that changed so many hearts--and so changed the course of history. --Mike Aquilina, Author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects Through her writings, St. Teresa often had heart-to-heart conversations with those she loved. Her Life in Letters is not to be read as an academic treatise; rather, St. Teresa's letters invite us to sit with her and learn from her experience, her grace, and her heart. Those who do just might find a new, lifelong friend. --From the preface by Sr. Regina Marie Gorman, O.C.D., Vicar general of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles

""In these letters, beautifully rendered, the voice is very much alive, conveying the spiritual force (and rich humor) that changed so many hearts--and so changed the course of history."" --Mike Aquilina, Author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects ""Through her writings, St. Teresa often had heart-to-heart conversations with those she loved. Her Life in Letters is not to be read as an academic treatise; rather, St. Teresa's letters invite us to sit with her and learn from her experience, her grace, and her heart. Those who do just might find a new, lifelong friend."" --From the preface by Sr. Regina Marie Gorman, O.C.D., Vicar general of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles

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Saint Teresa of Avila (1515–1582) was a contemplative nun, religious reformer, spiritual writer, and gifted poet who lived during a period of reform and bitter religious rivalry in Western Europe.

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