Papal tribute to St. Teresa of Ávila

October 16, 2014

Pope Francis has written a message to the bishop of Ávila, Spain, as the Church prepares to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa (1515-82).

In his October 15 message, the Pontiff frequently cited the saint’s writings and paid tribute to her teaching on joy, prayer, fraternity, and the use of time.

“Teresian realism,” he said, “demands deeds in the place of emotions, and love instead of daydreams, the realism of humble love as opposed to a laborious asceticism.”

 

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Further information:

• Messaggio del Santo Padre al Vescovo di Avila (Spagna) in preparazione alla celebrazione del V centenario della nascita di Santa Teresa (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope: The perennial relevance of St Teresa of Avila (Vatican Radio)