Commemorative masses and special prayer services will be offered on Sunday, Oct.15, in celebration of the Feast of Santa Teresa of Avila, the first woman Doctor of the Church, and one of the most popular saints of the Catholic faith.
In the country, holy masses in honor of the popular Spanish nun will be offered in parishes placed under her patronage in Casay, Antique; San Vicente, Baao, Camarines Sur; and Loctugan, Roxas City.
At the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Teresa of Avila in Talisay, Cebu, this year’s fiesta celebrations coincide with the 187th parish anniversary.
Triduum masses in honor of St. Teresa were held from Oc. 2 to 4. Novena masses were offered from Oct. 5 to 13. A fluvial procession was held on Oct. 14.
Born Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada in Avila, Spain on March 28, 1515, St. Teresa was a well-loved contemplative saint, mystic, writer, reformer, and theologian.
She founded the Discalced Carmelites, and together with St. John of the Cross, the Discalced Carmelite Friars.
She wrote the Counter-Reformation as well as several spiritual classics such as the “Life,” “Way of Perfection,” and the “Interior Castle.”
She died on Oct. 4, 1582 and was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622.
St. Teresa was declared the first woman Doctor of the Universal Church by Pope Paul VI on Sept. 27, 1970.