Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) was a Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic who reformed her order, founding the Discalced Carmelites alongside Saint John of the Cross. Her writings on prayer, including The Interior Castle and her autobiography, are spiritual classics. In 1970 she became one of the first women declared a Doctor of the Church.
Teresa teaches that prayer is simply a conversation with a God who loves us, and that holiness grows in patience and trust rather than in extraordinary feats. Her famous words — 'Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; all things are passing, God never changes' — are a steady comfort to anyone carrying sorrow.
Saint Teresa of Ávila, teacher of prayer, help us to rest in the friendship of God and to trust that His love never changes. Amen.