15 October 2014
Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
As we continue through the Letter to the Galatians, we are gifted with a listing of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that many of us learned in our Confirmation classes (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control Galatians 5:22). Through our examples of generosity to the poor or gentleness with our friends or spouses, we do not follow the law, but instead are abiding by the work of the Spirit.
A wonderful example of following in the works of the Spirit, is the woman who the Catholic Church memorializes as we celebrate the life of Teresa of Jesus. Born seven years before Ignatius’ conversion in 1515, Teresa grew up and joined the Carmelite order. Despite much backlash, she set about reforming and simplifying the Order so much so that she would, with the help of St. John of the Cross, form the Discalced Carmelites in 1580. She is most famous for her Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle and was declared a Doctor of the Church for her writings and teaching on prayer in 1970.