Christologia — a stained-glass arch with the Chi-Rho Christologia

Reflections on the present, in the voices of the past.

Portrait of Teresa of Ávila (AI illustration)
AI illustration (Adobe Firefly), not a historical likeness.

Teresa of Ávila

1515–1582 · Carmelite reformer; Doctor of the Church · 1 essay

Teresa of Ávila reformed the Carmelite order, founding seventeen houses of the Discalced Carmelites, and wrote with unusual candour about prayer, distraction and the soul's progress. The Interior Castle, The Way of Perfection and her Life remain primary texts of Christian mysticism. The persona uses the public-domain Stanbrook and Lewis translations.

Read the genuine texts: Primary source

Essays in the voice of Teresa of Ávila

  1. Rest in a Week That Never Ends

    In the voice of Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) · · 8 min read

    Rest is not merely a cessation of labour but a gift that reorders the soul's powers so they may serve with truer love, and though received, it asks of us a humble, determined consent.