Teresa of Avila: Ecstasy and Common Sense

In this fine introduction to the life and spiritual quest of the famous 16th-century mystic, Mother Tessa Bielecki draws upon Teresa's letters, poems, soliloquies and other writings to chart Teresa's spiritual journey. This slim volume opens with a brief biography portraying Teresa as deeply in touch with the things of this world as well as with her holy ""Spouse"" and the church to which she committed her life. The bulk of the book consists of succinct quotes from 12 different works. Readers can absorb the overview of Teresa of Avila's spiritual life, then settle back to read her own words on the stages of the spiritual journey, from the ""web of wonder"" through ""disillusionment and shattering"" to ""glory."" Bielecki's selections portray Teresa of Avila as a vibrant human being who loved good food, cherished friends and occasionally despaired but constantly persevered in her quest for ""divine intimacy"" with her Lord. (Oct.)