Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) was a Spanish noblewoman who became a Carmelite nun and a prolific writer, theologian, and mystic. Born in Ávila, Spain, she entered the convent at a young age and eventually embarked on a mission to reform the Carmelite order, believing its rules had become too lax. This work led to the establishment of the Discalced (shoeless) Carmelites. Her deep and profound mystical experiences, which began later in her life, are the subject of her most famous works.
Teresa was a remarkable figure—a powerful administrator, a pragmatic thinker, and an ecstatic mystic. Her writings, which include The Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, are considered masterpieces of mystical literature. In 1622, just 40 years after her death, she was canonized as a saint. In 1970, Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church, an honor reserved for saints whose writings and teachings have made a significant contribution to Christian doctrine. She remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of the Catholic Church.
