6 Surprising Ways to Imitate the Virtues of St Teresa of Ávila

History, meaning and message

1. Speak to God as a friend

For Teresa, prayer was not merely repeating a fixed number of words. It was a relationship: returning frequently to the One whom we know loves us.

Try speaking to Jesus for five minutes without pretending to be stronger or happier than you are. Then remain silent for a moment. Friendship matures through listening too.

2. Choose humility, which means truth

Teresa linked humility with truthful self-knowledge. Humility does not mean denying our gifts; it means recognising them as gifts for which we are responsible.

You do not always have to win the last word. Accept a fair correction and say sorry without immediately defending yourself.

3. Practise holy determination

Her reform of religious communities encountered considerable resistance. Teresa understood that good work requires patience and consistency when initial attempts fail.

Choose one small, realistic spiritual habit for the next seven days. Five minutes of faithful daily prayer are better than an impressive plan that never begins.

Did you know?

Pope Paul VI proclaimed Teresa of Ávila a Doctor of the Church in 1970. Her best-known book uses seven “dwelling places” to describe the soul’s journey towards God.

4. Keep your joy and sense of humour

Benedict XVI also highlighted Teresa’s ordinary human virtues: kindness, courtesy and cheerfulness. Holiness does not require a permanent frown or distance from other people.

At home or work, try easing tension with a gentle word. Kindness may express faith just as concretely as extended spiritual reading.

5. Become freer from possessions and opinions

Teresa encouraged detachment from passing things. That does not mean despising the world, but learning to place God above money, comfort and the constant need for approval.

Skip one unnecessary purchase or break from repeatedly checking your phone. Give the time or attention you recover to someone who might otherwise go unnoticed.

6. Let prayer become love in action

The Interior Castle describes growth towards God through the image of seven dwelling places. The goal is not to feel spiritually extraordinary, but to enter a deeper union with Christ.

Love remains the test of our prayer. Do something kind for a person you find difficult – without expecting immediate praise.