On the occasion of 500th birth anniversary of St. Teresa of Avila, Pope Francis praised the Spanish Mystic and reformer for being a sure and attractive model of total Self-giving to God. Although St. Teresa of Avila lived and wrote almost four centuries ago, her superbly inspiring classic on the practice of prayer is as fresh and meaningful today as it was when she first wrote it. ‘The Way of Perfection’ is a practical guide to prayer and directives for the attainment of spiritual perfection for her sisters. The graceful journey of Our Holy Mother Teresa, has left behind the legacy. Her mission on earth was the vision of Christ. The ages have passed by but the admirable soul and adorable heart which was pierced by the darts of the Angel still lives for the love of Christ. She was the woman of prayer, a woman for God lived the life of silence and solitude. She detached herself from earthly pleasure and yearned for heavenly treasure and with the determined heart won the spiritual battle and became one with Christ. Prayer was her delight, prayer was her strength, prayer was her destiny which led her to the door of eternity. St. Teresa of Avila, a woman of courage and compassion, offers much encouragement to her Sisters at every stage of their spiritual journey. She teaches her sisters that 'Prayer' is the door to eternity. We need to have a determined determination to persevere patiently on our journey of faith.
‘Determined Determination’ is the template, model or blue print for Carmelite spirituality, according to our Holy Mother St. Teresa. We are called to emulate our Mother by living in community the three essentials of a prayer-filled life - fraternal love, detachment from created things and true humility.