|  The Church teaches us that the saints are our friends always, and, more than that, patrons and advocates. In Teresa, a parish could have no stronger, finer advocate. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, Teresa was the first woman to be so named. The other, St. Catherine of Siena, lent her name to our
neighboring parish on upper New Scotland Avenue, which was carved out of St. Teresa's boundaries because of its expanding population.
Teresa was a 16th century religious reformer, and is acknowledged as one of the greatest mystical writers of all time. She was born to a well-to-do family, and grew up to be a beautiful young woman, admired for her ready wit and laughter, the center of a wide circle of friends. Early in life she ran away from home with her brother, determined to
be a martyr for the Jesus she loved so much. It was a deep personal love of God that ultimately led Teresa to Carmel. Her greatest work, the reform of Carmel nuns, priests and brothers, did not begin until Teresa was middle-aged. Under her spiritual leadership, monasteries were formed as the Order of Discalced (shoeless or sandal-wearing) Carmelites. Her gift for conversation was transferred to the written word. The Way of Perfection, The Interior Castle, and Meditations on the Song
of Songs are some of the most famous. Though mostly addressed to her "sisters," Teresa's works burned with the deep love of God which every Christian is called to share. Unlike so many spiritual works before and since, Teresa's writings are filled with common sense, laughter, trust in God, a love of Scripture, and a deep, personal love of Christ, whom Teresa called "His Majesty." They are classics for all times, books that speak to all people everywhere. Small wonder then, with St. Teresa for a patron, that a life rich in
prayer and spirituality, translated into love and concern for neighbors, has been a hallmark of St. Teresa of Avila Parish. With gratitude and love, we the people of St. Teresa of Avila Parish call on our patron, Teresa, asking her guidance and help as we move into the Third Millennium. |
