Spanish mystic, born in Avila. She became a
Carmelite nun, and in 1562 founded a new and
stricter order. She was subject to fainting
fits, during which she saw visions. She wrote
The Way to Perfection 1583 and an
autobiography, Life of the Mother Theresa of
Jesus, 1611. In 1622 she was canonized, and
in 1970 was made the first female Doctor of
the Church.