Lessons from St. Teresa of Avila

Dear Faithful Catholic Mama,

This week, we celebrate the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, one of the greatest female saints and mystics of the Church. A reformer, writer, and Doctor of the Church, St. Teresa shows us the power of deep prayer and unwavering trust in God, no matter the challenges we face.

As busy moms, it can feel impossible to find moments of quiet for prayer, but St. Teresa reminds us that God meets us where we are. In this email, we’ll explore how we can follow her example by growing in prayer and relying on God’s strength through all the ups and downs of family life.

Finding Time for Prayer Amidst Daily Chaos

St. Teresa’s most famous advice on prayer is simple: “Let nothing disturb you.” But how do we find that interior calm when there’s noise all around us? Here are some ways to integrate St. Teresa’s wisdom on prayer into your daily routine:

- Morning Offering: Begin your day by offering all your tasks and joys to God. Even if it’s a quick prayer as you pour your morning coffee, this simple act can set the tone for your entire day.

- Short Prayers Throughout the Day: St. Teresa emphasized mental prayer—speaking to God from the heart, even if just for a minute. While folding laundry or preparing meals, offer short prayers like, “Lord, I trust in You” or “St. Teresa, help me to remain calm.” Consider setting a timer on your phone for certain hours of the day to offer a Hail Mary.

- Nightly Reflection: Before bed, take a moment to reflect on the day. What went well? Where did you struggle? Ask for St. Teresa’s intercession to help you grow in patience and grace.

Through these small but meaningful prayers, you’ll deepen your relationship with God, even in the midst of a busy household.

Rosary Meditation: Growing in Trust Like St. Teresa

As we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary this week, we can draw inspiration from St. Teresa’s deep trust in God’s providence and her unwavering focus on prayer:

- Joyful Mysteries (Monday & Thursday): Reflect on the Annunciation, when Mary’s “yes” to God was full of trust. Like St. Teresa, we can embrace our vocation as mothers and trust in God’s plan, even when it’s not easy.

- Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday): The Agony in the Garden reminds us of Jesus’ ultimate trust in the Father’s will, even in suffering. Offer up your struggles and ask for St. Teresa’s intercession to help you find peace in letting go of what you can’t control.

- Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday): The Assumption of Mary into heaven is a powerful reminder that our ultimate destination is an eternal union with God. St. Teresa’s writings often reflect on heaven as our true home, and we can find comfort in knowing that every effort we make here on earth has eternal value.

Let these meditations help you grow in trust, just as St. Teresa did, by surrendering your worries to God and focusing on His will for your life.

Family Activities: Finding God in the Everyday with St. Teresa

Here are a few fun and spiritually enriching ways to bring St. Teresa’s wisdom into your family life this week:

- Create a Family Prayer Journal: St. Teresa kept a journal of her spiritual experiences and prayers. Encourage your kids to do the same by starting a family prayer journal where everyone can write or draw their prayers to God. This simple practice can help your children connect with God in a personal way.

- Practice Silence Together: St. Teresa loved silence and contemplation, and though it may seem challenging with kids, try practicing short moments of silence as a family. Start with one minute of quiet time before family meals, inviting everyone to reflect on God’s presence. I found setting a timer that counts down to be very helpful for younger ones who struggle.

- Carmelite-Style Cozy Night: Celebrate St. Teresa with a cozy night in! Prepare a simple family meal, light candles, and read a short passage from her writings or a Bible verse about trust in God. Create a peaceful, prayerful atmosphere that reflects St. Teresa’s contemplative spirit.

These activities can help you and your children grow closer to God by cultivating peace and prayerfulness in your daily life.

Saint Spotlight: St. Teresa of Avila - Doctor of Prayer

St. Teresa of Avila is known for her profound teachings on prayer, particularly in her works The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection. She dedicated her life to reforming the Carmelite Order and bringing it back to its original contemplative roots. Despite facing many trials, including illness and opposition, she remained deeply joyful and always focused on the importance of prayer.

As a Catholic mom, you can look to St. Teresa for guidance in deepening your own prayer life. Her famous words, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing; God alone never changes,” remind us that no matter the chaos around us, God’s peace is always within reach.

Dear Mama, as we celebrate St. Teresa of Avila this week, let’s take her advice to heart. No matter how busy or overwhelmed you feel, remember that prayer is always possible, and God is always near. St. Teresa teaches us that trust and prayer are our greatest sources of strength—lean on them as you care for your family and navigate life’s challenges.

In Christ and Our Blessed Mother,

Melissa

Extra Resources:

- Video Resource: St. Teresa of Avila video, geared towards kids.

- Quote for Reflection: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing. God alone never changes.” – St. Teresa of Avila

Call to Action:

P.S.: How do you find time for prayer in your busy day? Reply to this email and share your tips with our community, or join our FB Catholic Moms group for support and encouragement in your prayer journey!

P.P.S: Yes I do know for some follow the new rosary with the Luminous Mysteries. Others, like myself, follow the old set of just 15 mysteries of the rosary. So I don’t regularly pray them, I will with a group if they are, but not on my own or as a family. This means I don’t know them by heart and can’t offer mediations on them. Sorry about that.