October 15 | Feast
Saint Teresa of Ávila is a 16th-century Carmelite mystic and Doctor of the Church. Also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, she is remembered today for her practical spiritual wisdom and insights into prayer in her writings. She is also known for her wit. We provide 10 quotes from her writings for your reflection on October 15, her feast day.
“the Lord asks only two things of us: love for His Majesty and love for our neighbor.”
“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.”
“Love turns work into rest.”
“In fact, all of your theological concepts may only serve to cool the fire of love in the will.”
“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”
“God save us from gloomy saints!”
“Beg our Lord to grant you perfect love for your neighbor and leave the rest to Him.”
“Never suppose that either the evil or the good that you do will remain secret, however strict may be your enclosure.”
“Those who risk all for God will find that they have both lost all and gained all”
“Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so also the mind of man.”
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To learn more about the life of St. Teresa and her work and legacy, we suggest reading the following books from Edizioni Carmelitane:
The Heirs of St. Teresa of Avila, Edited by Christopher C. Wilson, PhD
"I Consider the Labor Well Spent" A Mini-Course on the Interior Castle, Joel Giallanza, CSC
A Spirituality of Truth: Philosophical Explorations of St. Teresa of Jesus, Macario Ofilada Mina
To access these and many other fine publications at Edizioni Carmelitane, click here.