St. Teresa of Avila was born in 1515 AD and died in 1582 AD. The Catholic Church celebrates her feast day on October 15 every year.
One of the most famous miracles attributed to her is similar to the miracle of Jesus and Lazarus. The wall of a building fell on Teresa’s young nephew and he was crushed. Apparently dead, he was brought to Teresa. She held her little nephew in her arm and prayed deeply. Minutes later, the boy came back to life. This miracle, in fact, was presented at Teresa’s canonization.
Many other miracles occurred in St. Teresa’s life, but it can be argued that the greatest miracle was her own conversion. In her autobiography, she once said “The possession of virtuous parents who lived in the fear of God, together with those favors which I received from his Divine Majesty, might have made me good, if I had not been so very wicked.”
This self-described “wicked” girl would go on to become one of the greatest saints in Church history! She said and wrote some beautiful things in her life, including the spiritual quotes and prayers below.
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St. Teresa of Avila Quotes
Our body has this defect that, the more it is provided care and comforts, the more needs and desires it finds.
Pain is never permanent.
I do not fear Satan half so much as I fear those who fear him.
To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus acquire experience.
Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul.
For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.
It is love alone that gives worth to all things.
Anyone who truly loves God travels securely.
Tiny Saints make a Teresa of Avila charm!
There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.
Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.
To have courage for whatever comes in life — everything lies in that.
We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can – namely, surrender our will and fulfill God’s will in us.
What a great favor God does to those He places in the company of good people!
St. Teresa of Avila Prayers
To Redeem Lost Time
O my God! Source of all mercy!
I acknowledge Your sovereign power.
While recalling the wasted years that are past,
I believe that You, Lord,
can in an instant turn this loss to gain.
Miserable as I am,
yet I firmly believe that You can do all things.
Please restore to me the time lost,
giving me Your grace,
both now and in the future,
that I may appear before You in “wedding garments.”
Amen
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Let Nothing Trouble You
Let nothing upset you,
let nothing startle you.
All things pass;
God does not change.
Patience wins
all it seeks.
Whoever has God
lacks nothing:
God alone is enough.
If, Lord, Thy Love is Strong
If, Lord, Thy love for me is strong
As this which binds me unto thee,
What holds me from thee Lord so long,
What holds thee Lord so long from me?
O soul, what then desirest thou?
Lord I would see thee, who thus choose thee.
What fears can yet assail thee now?
All that I fear is but lose thee.
Love’s whole possession I entreat,
Lord make my soul thine own abode,
And I will build a nest so sweet
It may not be too poor for God.
A sould in God hidden from sin,
What more desires for thee remain,
Save but to love again,
And all on flame with love within,
Love on, and turn to love again.
A Love Song
Teresa of Avila book
Majestic sovereign, timeless wisdom,
your kindness melts my hard, cold soul.
Handsome lover, selfless giver,
your beauty fills my dull, sad eyes.
I am yours, you made me.
I am yours, you called me.
I am yours, you saved me.
I am yours, you loved me.
I will never leave your presence.
Give me death, give me life.
Give me sickness, give me health.
Give me honor, give me shame.
Give me weakness, give me strength.
I will have whatever you give.
St. Teresa of Avila was born in 1515 AD and died in 1582 AD. The Catholic Church celebrates her feast day on October 15 every year.
