The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila

The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila is one of the most remarkable life stories ever written. For here, in a scrupulously accurate translation that is beloved by the Carmelites, the great Reformer of Carmel describes her life and the extraordinary workings of grace within her soul. St. Teresa's vigorous prose shows forth her robust common sense, as well as her strong Catholic faith, which embraces wholeheartedly those teachings of Christ which the world finds most absurd. St. Teresa describes her own spiritual struggles, her long period of spiritual laxity, her vision of her potential place in Hell, the great assistance she received from St. Joseph, her many mystical graces-including visions and locutions-her fears of delusion by Satan and the guidance she received from learned spiritual directors, such as St. Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562). Her ardent spirit shines forth as she writes of what she holds most dear: the faithful service of God-"His Majesty," as she calls Him-and her great eagerness for more souls to withdraw from the worthless pleasures of this earth and give themselves to Him. St. Teresa of Avila was one of the most admirable and colorful women of all time, who despite her mystical gifts, remained intensely practical and down-to-earth, such that she was much loved in her own lifetime. And The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila is an ever-fresh source of inspiration from which the reader will come to know the great Madre Teresa and to understand a -little better the Divine Majesty she served. As to fine and beautiful things, such as water, fields, perfume, music, etc., I think I would rather not have them, so great is the difference between them and what I am in the habit of seeing, and so all pleasure in them is gone from me. Hence it is that I care not for them, unless it be at the first sight: they never make any further impression; to me they seem but dirt. -Relations, I (page 429).