Saint Teresa of Ávila
Feast day: October 15
Patron of contemplatives, writers, and those who suffer headaches
Life
A Carmelite nun, Teresa reformed her Order against fierce opposition, founding houses of deep prayer. In her writings — The Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle — she charted the soul's journey inward toward union with God. She was the first woman named a Doctor of the Church.
Prayer
Saint Teresa, pray that we may build an interior castle of prayer within our hearts, and persevere through every trial to reach the King who dwells at its centre. Amen.
