Saint Teresa of Avila is one of the 33 "Doctors of the Church"-and one of only four women. This devotional book is made up of her sayings from her masterpiece The Interior Castle, which Paulist Press publishes in its Classics of Western Spirituality Series. For each day of the year there is a thought on which to dwell, pray, or meditate. What makes this book unique is that it can can be picked up on ANY day of the year and the reader can appreciate the chosen thought. If you miss a day, the book will always be applicable for ANY and EVERY day of the year regardless of your circumstances. This is the perfect pocket-/purse-sized gift book for those who have a devotion to St. Teresa and to Carmelite spirituality in general.

The Hackett edition of Teresa of Avila's spiritual autobiography features Kieran Kavanaugh and Otilio Rodriguez's authoritative translation of The Book of Her Life with a new Introduction by Jodi Bilinkoff that will prove especially valuable to students of Early Modern Spain, the history of Christian spirituality, and classic women writers. A map, chronology, and index are also included.

With an informative and extensive introduction covering Teresas early life, her life as a nun, and her work as a foundress, Kavanaugh sets the stage for a valuable selection of writings from the Saints works, divided into two sections. The first set centers on Teresas growth in the spiritual life, particularly her life of prayer. The second part focuses on the copious store of her contemplative experiences which shed light on the Christian mysteries. Also includes a chronology of Teresas life and a selected bibliography. Fr. Kavanaugh's excellent introduction to St. Teresa's understanding and experience of Christian contemplation is required reading for anyone desiring a deeper prayer life. Kevin Culligan, O.C.D. Institute of Carmelite Studies, Chicago, Ill. Kieran Kavanaugh, who has given us such fine contemporary translations of Teresa, here focuses on the rich content of Teresa's contemplation, seen through a prism of many colors, from the darkness of the abyss to the bright light of the interior Sun. Tessa Bielecki Author of Teresa of Avila Mystical Writings

St. John of the Cross is one of the greatest mystics of the West. He lived in the 16th century in Spain, was monk, reformer, and best known for "Dark Night of the Soul" and his deep friendship with St. Teresa of Avila. St. John is considered one of the most important poets of the Spanish language.