ST. TERESA OF AVILA

In a vision, Teresa of Avila saw three souls go straight to heaven without passing purgatory.  One was St. Peter Alcantara, the other was Father Pedro Ivagnes and the third was a Carmelite friar.  Commenting on the last, Teresa said:  "I suppose more is required for a religious man to enter heaven than merely wearing the habit; he has to live by the spirit and faithful observance of his holy rule."

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Teresa of Avila attributed the good opinion which others then had of her to her own cunning and hypocrisy. 

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Two great means by which Teresa of Avila preserved her soul:  Firstly, she had a constant and tender charity and goodness towards all persons;  secondly, she had an extreme dread and abhorrence of the least shadow of detraction.    

(07-24-05)