Teresa of Ávila, Virgin and Doctor

Teresa lived at a time of tremendous social change—the discovery of America and the Protestant Reformation. But she pointed the way to inner peace, even in the midst of turmoil. Throughout her young life, she struggled to pray and to keep God central in her life. Nonetheless, she did remain strong in her desire for God and eventually became an example for us all. She once said, "...prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with [God] who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything."