Celebrating the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila (October 15)

September 27, 2025

On October 15th, the Church honors St. Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite nun, mystic, reformer, and Doctor of the Church. She is one of the great spiritual writers of all time and a beloved patron saint of Spain, religious sisters, and those seeking deeper prayer.

Historical Background

St. Teresa of Avila (1515–1582) grew up in Spain and entered the Carmelite convent at a young age. Over time, she felt called to return the Carmelite order to its roots of simplicity, poverty, and deep prayer. She founded the Discalced Carmelites and wrote spiritual classics such as The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection. She was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, one of the first two women to receive that title, because of her wisdom in teaching about prayer and union with God.

What St. Teresa Teaches Us

St. Teresa reminds us that prayer is not about saying many words but about a loving friendship with God. She often described prayer as “talking to God as to a friend.” She also had a great sense of humor and joy, despite suffering ill health and many challenges. Her example encourages us to persevere in faith and stay close to Jesus through prayer.

Feast Day Celebration Ideas

Breakfast – Spanish Hot Chocolate & Churros

Since St. Teresa was Spanish, start the day with a traditional treat from her homeland: thick Spanish-style hot chocolate with churros or fried dough sticks for dipping.

Song in the Kitchen

Play “Christ Has No Body” (based on Teresa’s famous prayer) while cooking breakfast. This song reflects her spirituality: we are called to be Christ’s hands, feet, and heart in the world.

Craft for Kids – Interior Castle Coloring Page

Give children a printable castle coloring page and let them decorate it. As they color, explain Teresa’s image of the soul as a castle with many rooms, where prayer leads us closer and closer to God in the center.

Lunch – Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)

A simple Spanish recipe of eggs, potatoes, and onions cooked into a hearty omelet. Serve with a fresh salad on the side.

Dinner – Spanish Chicken with Rice

Make a family-style Spanish chicken dish with saffron rice (like a simplified paella). The warmth and color of the meal reflect the richness of Teresa’s Spanish heritage.

Dessert – Almond Cookies (Polvorones)

Bake almond-based Spanish cookies—simple, sweet, and perfect for children to help with. Almonds were common in Spanish convent baking, connecting your family to St. Teresa’s time.

Prayer for the End of the Day

Close your family celebration with a prayer inspired by St. Teresa’s famous words of trust:

Let nothing disturb you,
let nothing frighten you,
all things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

✨ Celebrating St. Teresa of Avila’s feast day as a family can bring both joy and a renewed focus on prayer. Her wisdom reminds us that holiness comes not from doing extraordinary things, but from loving God in all that we do.