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In celebration of over 500 years since her birth in March 1515, why not discover St Teresa of Avila’s life story in her own words in this translation of the famous classic. Carmelite nun, mystic, visionary, founder of convents, reformer, writer and Doctor of the Church! Read of how St Teresa had  spiritual struggles, visions (including of her potential place in hell) and mystical graces while remaining very down to earth. St. Teresa of Avila was born in 1515 at Avila, Spain, and her mother Beatriz was determined to bring her up as a good Christian.

Teresa attempted to find martyrdom by running away from home when she was seven, but was promptly stopped by her uncle. She later became a Carmelite nun and began to experience, while suffering from sickness, spiritual ecstasy as a result of reading Francisco de Osuna's Third Spiritual Alphabet. In 1599 she was convinced that she was actually seeing visions of Christ, which continued often for two years.

Teresa of Avila founded many convents, including at Andalusia, Palencia and Soria. She was also the author of The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection. She died in 1582 at the age of 67, and was canonised by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. Her feastday is celebrated on October 15.