St. Teresa of Avila – Doctor of the Church – by Benet Mercadé – 3 sizes – Catholic Art Print

St. Teresa of AvilaBenet MercadéTeresa of Avila (1515-1582) is one of the greatest Saints in the Catholic Church. The daughter of a wealthy Spanish nobleman, she joined the Carmel at age 20, Eventually she became its chief reformer, sharing mystical wisdom, writing books on theology, and founding many convents and monasteries. The Carmel of her days was more of a relaxed ladies' club with many visitors. Teresa advocated for a return to poverty and austerity, as the deep contemplative prayer life which she aspired to was constantly interrupted by the lax convent behavior. She attracted many followers and friends, including the young St. John of the Cross who took her mysticism to the men, and Fr. Jerónimo Gracián, shown in this painting, who used his extensive power within Spain and the Church for her reforms. She is shown here winning him over to her cause. Teresa wrote: "Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing other than a close sharing between friends. It means frequently takin