The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila

Rating:
Summary: defies description
Review: St. Teresa of Avila, who lived in sixteenth century Spain, was a woman as complex as those turbulent times; yet also, she was simple, as only the greatest saints can be.

Her writings are discursive, immediately engaging, written in a warm and sometimes disjointed style, like conversation. If you have read "about" Teresa but put off reading the works of the saint herself, feeling it might be too formidable a task, have no fear. She speaks of the highest mystical experiences in terms accessible to 21st century readers. There are some cultural references and attitudes to be filtered, but over all, Teresa's tremendous pleasure in her loving relationship with God, shines through. Do not be put off by the distance of centuries; don't feel that Teresa is too holy to be comprehended. Read the story of her life, and read her descriptions of the stages of a mystical spiritual journey leading to a marvelous knowledge of God, and an ineffable sharing with God.

Teresa speaks to all of us, wherever we are in our faith journeys, whenever we live, whatever our state. Her writings are classic outpourings of a soul sometimes desolate, sometimes ecstatic, but always, dedicated to God. Teresa defies category or analysis. You must read her to experience her.

Rating:
Summary: defies description
Review: St. Teresa of Avila, who lived in sixteenth century Spain, was a woman as complex as those turbulent times; yet also, she was simple, as only the greatest saints can be.

Her writings are discursive, immediately engaging, written in a warm and sometimes disjointed style, like conversation. If you have read "about" Teresa but put off reading the works of the saint herself, feeling it might be too formidable a task, have no fear. She speaks of the highest mystical experiences in terms accessible to 21st century readers. There are some cultural references and attitudes to be filtered, but over all, Teresa's tremendous pleasure in her loving relationship with God, shines through. Do not be put off by the distance of centuries; don't feel that Teresa is too holy to be comprehended. Read the story of her life, and read her descriptions of the stages of a mystical spiritual journey leading to a marvelous knowledge of God, and an ineffable sharing with God.

Teresa speaks to all of us, wherever we are in our faith journeys, wherever we live, whatever our state. Her writings are classic outpourings of a soul sometimes desolate, sometimes ecstatic, but always, dedicated to God. Teresa defies category or analysis. You must read her to experience her.

Rating:
Summary: Spiritual testimonies: First woman doctor of the Church
Review: Teresa de Ahumada born in Spain on March 28, 1515, died October 4, 1582 at the age of 67.

A woman of warmth, generosity and spiritual awareness. As a young child Teresa was made aware of God's presence and throughout her lifetime made it her mission to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to as many as she encountered.

She journeyed throughout Spain and laid many Foundations to do God's work. St. John of the Cross was one of her spiritual directors as she went forth to build God's kingdom.

Volume One has two books: " The Book of Her Life" and "Her Spiritual Testimonies. Other collected works of Saint Teresa which are found in Volume Two are " The Way of Perfection" and " The Interior Castle and in Volume Three " The Book of Her Foundations" and " Minor Works".

Rating:
Summary: Spiritual testimonies: First woman doctor of the Church
Review: Teresa de Ahumada born in Spain on March 28, 1515, died October 4, 1582 at the age of 67.

A woman of warmth, generosity and spiritual awareness. As a young child Teresa was made aware of God's presence and throughout her lifetime made it her mission to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to as many as she encountered.

She journeyed throughout Spain and laid many Foundations to do God's work. St. John of the Cross was one of her spiritual directors as she went forth to build God's kingdom.

Volume One has two books: " The Book of Her Life" and "Her Spiritual Testimonies. Other collected works of Saint Teresa which are found in Volume Two are " The Way of Perfection" and " The Interior Castle and in Volume Three " The Book of Her Foundations" and " Minor Works".