Saint Teresa of Avila

Teresa was born in Spain in the early 1500s. Like many teenage girls, she loved fashion, boys and reading novels. Her vibrant personality inspired her to become a Carmelite nun! Teresa had intense spiritual experiences, and eventually started new convents stripped of the luxuries some other religious communities indulged in. In Teresa's deep but relatable writings, she used common metaphors like diamonds or even chess to help teach the faith. Feast Day: October 15 Patronage: Chess Players, Illness, Loss Of Parents, The Ridiculed