Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor – October 15th
St Teresa (d. 1582, Alba de Tormes, Spain) (Relics: Rome, Italy; Avila, Spain; Alba de Tormes, Spain)
First Class Relics
Monasterio de la Anunciación de Nuestra Señora de Carmelitas Descalzas de Alba de Tormes / Madres Carmelitas Descalzas
(Discalced Carmelite Monastery of the Annunciation of Our Lady)
Plaza de Santa Teresa 3
37800 Alba de Tormes, Spain
*While visiting various religious communities in the summer of 1582, St Teresa’s health which was already weak began to worsen. Eventually she took to bed and passed away at Alba de Tormes. A great struggle then ensued between Avila and Alba de Tormes in regards to whom would receive her body. At one point her remains were transferred to Avila; however, shortly thereafter a Papal decree was issued and her body was returned to Alba de Tormes where it remains to this day within an urn above the main altar. Also preserved here, but separate from her body, are her heart and a bone from her arm.
Convento de Santa Teresa
(Convent of Saint Teresa)
Plaza de la Santa 2
05001 Avila, Spain
*This church is built over the home where St Teresa of Avila was born.
*Within the gift shop, located outside of the church, are several prominent relics of St Teresa of Avila.
Santa Maria della Scala
(Our Lady at the Steps)
Piazza della Scala 23
Rome, Italy
*This church is located in Trastevere.
*The right foot of St Teresa of Avila rests within this church in a beautiful chapel to the left of the main sanctuary. It was gifted to this church in 1617. (This chapel is not visible from the nave of the church and it is rarely open to the public. However, if one kindly asks the sacristan access may be granted. If the sacristan is not present he/she can be called at the neighboring convent door.)
*Also the chapel in the right transept is dedicated to St Teresa of Avila.
Churches of Honor in Rome
Santa Maria della Vittoria
(Our Lady of the Victory)
Via XX Settembre 17
Rome, Italy
*This church is north of Piazza della Repubblica.
*Located here is Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous sculpture entitled The Ecstasy of St Teresa.
Santa Teresa d'Avila (Saint Teresa of Avila)
Corso d'Italia 37
Rome, Italy
*This church is north of Piazza della Repubblica. It is dedicated to St Teresa of Avila.
Santuario della Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso
(Sanctuary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help)
Via Merulana 26
Rome, Italy
*This church is just south of the Basilica of St Mary Major.
*The first chapel on the right side of the nave is dedicated to St Teresa of Avila.
*The miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary entitled Our Lady of Perpetual Help is above the main altar.
Santa Maria in Traspontina
(Our Lady in Traspontina)
Via della Conciliazione 14
Rome, Italy
*This church is near the Vatican.
*The fourth chapel on the left side of the nave is dedicated to St Teresa of Avila.
*Also the third chapel on the right side of the nave contains a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. A memorial at this chapel recalls that this church provided a new scapular for St John Paul II after the assassination attempt upon his life in 1981.
San Giovanni della Pigna
(Saint John of the Pigna)
Vicolo della Minerva 51
Rome, Italy
*This church is south of the Pantheon.
*The second chapel on the left side of the nave is dedicated to St Teresa of Avila.
