Quiet, spiritual history

To visit a place where a saint was born is special, visiting the birth place of two saints who are both recognised by Roman Catholic, Protestant and Anglican denominations is very special .  San Juan de la Cruz (John of the Cross) and Teresa of Avila, or Teresa of Jesus as the locals call her, were both born here in Avila.

Both John and Teresa played a major part in the counter reformation and the reform of the Carmalite Order but not without personal trials and ordeals.  The result was the formation of the Discalced Carmalites. Teresa was from a privileged background but under the reformation of the monastery she had simple cell-like accommodation. Privilege was wrong in her eyes and a distraction from her dedication to God.  John was ‘arrested’ and imprisoned and tortured by his own order of friars who didn’t agree with his reforms but he didn’t shy away from what was right. We could all maybe learn from Teresa and John.

Avila is a lovely, peaceful place, or at least is was when we were there.  An old walled city with quiet streets and a beautiful cathedral.  It also boasts the Monastery (non active), the Convent (still active) and the usual number of Roman Catholic churches, including where Teresa was baptised.  On our visit to the convent church communion was being administered and singing rang out in the building, special indeed.

We visited the Basilica of  Saint Vincente who along with his two sisters, Sabina and Cristeta were tortured and killed by the Romans and later martyred. Another wonderful church in a fantastic spiritual place.

This whole town lives and breathes faith.  Even walking round the town and the old city walls you feel that faith plays a major part in the life of this community.  I think we will return one day.