Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) was a Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, author, and theologian. In 1970, she and Catherine of Siena became the first women to be declared Doctors of the Church by Pope Paul VI.
Her two most important works are The Way of Perfection, a guide to prayer and religious life, and The Interior Castle (or The Mansions), a masterful description of the soul's journey toward God. The latter uses the image of a castle with seven sets of rooms to describe the stages of prayer and spiritual growth.
Her famous words remain an encouragement to every Christian: "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices."
