Teresa of Avila

Baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada (1515–1582), Teresa of Ávila, was a prominent Spanish mystic, Roman Catholic saint, Carmelite nun, author during the Counter Reformation, and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer. She was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered to be a founder of the Discalced Carmelites, along with John of the Cross. Her books, which include her autobiography (The Life of Teresa of Jesus) and her seminal work The Interior Castle, are an integral part of Spanish Renaissance literature, as well as Christian mysticism and Christian meditation practices.