Teresa of Ávila

Teresa of Ávila was born to Alonso Sánchez de Cepeda and Beatriz de Ahumada in Ávila, a city in the Kingdom of Castile. Her family was of Jewish converso origin but had become devout Catholics.

At the age of 14, Teresa enters the Augustinian convent of Santa María de Gracia in Ávila, seeking religious guidance and a deeper spiritual life after the death of her mother.

Teresa enters the Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation in Ávila, taking her vows and dedicating herself to a life of prayer and service. She experiences a period of deep spiritual transformation.

Teresa begins her efforts to reform the Carmelite order, emphasizing a return to a more austere and contemplative life. She faces significant opposition but perseveres with determination.

Teresa founds the first convent of the Discalced (Barefoot) Carmelites in Ávila, establishing a stricter rule of poverty, prayer, and enclosure. This marks the beginning of her reform movement.

Teresa writes 'The Way of Perfection,' a guide for her nuns on how to pray and live a life of spiritual perfection. The book becomes a cornerstone of her spiritual teachings.

Teresa begins extensive travels to found new convents of the Discalced Carmelites across Spain. Despite health challenges, she establishes 17 new convents and several monasteries.

Teresa writes 'The Interior Castle,' her most famous work, which describes the seven mansions of the soul and the journey to union with God. The book is a profound exploration of mystical theology.

Teresa of Ávila dies in Alba de Tormes, Spain, while traveling to found another convent. Her death marks the end of a life dedicated to spiritual reform and profound mystical experiences.