Saint Teresa of Avila

Saint Teresa of Avila was strong in her convictions, entering the Carmelites despite strong opposition from her father. She is said to have been beautiful, talented, outgoing, affectionate, courageous, and enthusiastic. She was a woman of paradoxes: wise, yet practical; intelligent, yet grounded in life experience. She was a mystic, as well as an energetic reformer. She is known for her writings, Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle. In 1970, she was named a Doctor of the Church.