Walls of Avila, Spain

Teresa of Avila entered the Carmelite order as a young woman and adopted a somewhat lax observance of its rule. The practice of prayer later convinced her to pursue the goal of mystical perfection through the observant life. As a result of this, she founded a convent where the Carmelite rule might be more vigorously observed. She later led in the founding of other convents for observant or "Discalced" Carmelites. In this effort she associated with her contemporary, John of the Cross. While she undertook this practical leadership, Teresa of Avila also continued to practice the devotional life. Her many writings testify to the depths of her experience. She is especially noted for her discrimination of stages in the life of prayer beginning with simple meditation and ending with the ecstatic experience of union or marriage with Christ.