On 15 October we commemorate the feast day of one of the most remarkable women to have ever walked the earth, a Spanish contemplative nun who lived and died well over four centuries ago but whose words and deeds continue to impact us, especially those who have chosen to heed the silent call of Carmel.

At first sight, a 16th-century Spanish Carmelite nun and someone living in today’s world might seem to be hopelessly remote and irrelevant to one another. Yet Teresa’s rich humanity, her gentle humour, and her deep love for the Lord still have about them a freshness that is both appealing and practical. Her wisdom still speaks to us with great appeal. Join Professor Austin Cooper OMI on Wednesday 6 April at 10.30 on Zoom to discover more. Book here.

Born in Avila in Spain in 1515 Teresa entered the Carmelites and eventually made great progress in her spiritual journey. Wishing to share in the spiritual renewal of the Church of her time, she began to live her religious life more ardently and soon attracted many companions, to whom she was like a mother. She also helped in the reform of the friars with Saint John of the Cross. She wrote books which are renowned for their depth of doctrine and which showed her own spiritual experiences. She died at Alba de Tormes in 1582. In 1970 Teresa was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Read more

"Prayer, in my opinion, is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends." - St Teresa of Jesus.

Born in Avila in Spain in 1515 Teresa entered the Carmelites and eventually made great progress in her spiritual journey. Wishing to share in the spiritual renewal of the Church of her time, she began to live her religious life more ardently and soon attracted many companions, to whom she was like a mother. She also helped in the reform of the friars with Saint John of the Cross. She wrote books which are renowned for their depth of doctrine and which showed her own spiritual experiences. She died at Alba de Tormes in 1582. In 1970 Teresa was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. "Prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends" - St Teresa of Jesus.

About 40 Carmelites gathered at Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville NSW for a 3 day symposium on St Teresa of Avila.

Led by Professor Bernard McGinn the friars, nuns, lay and secular Carmelites (OCarm and OCD) journeyed into the richness of Teresa's spiritual teaching.

The sessions began with an insight into the term mysticism and an understanding of the cultural and religious context of 16th century Avila.

Professor McGinn then led us through excerpts of Teresa's Life, the Way of Perfection and the Interior Castle.

Finally, he spoke about Teresa’s perception that contemplation and action are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are a blending of the 2 dimensions of Christian life: love of God and love of neighbour.