While reading a book on the life of St. Anne, the child, when a little more than twelve years old, became very devoted to the saints of Carmel. For the author of the book says that St. Anne’s mother—I believe her name is Merenciana—often went to speak to those saints.
The effect this reading had on the girl was one of great devotion to the order of our Lady, for she then promised to become a nun in that order and also made a promise of chastity.
Saint Teresa of Avila
The Book of Her Foundations, Chap. 26, no. 8
Commenting on the vocation of Beatriz de la Madre de Dios (Chaves)
Discalced Carmelite nun of the Carmel of Seville (1538–1624)
Unidentified Cuzco Artist (Peru, 18th c.), Oil on canvas, 18th c.
Convento de Santa Teresa, Arequipa, Peru
Image credit: Project on the Engraved Sources of Spanish Colonial Art (PESSCA) (Public domain)
Teresa of Avila, St. 1985, The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, translated from the Spanish by Kavanaugh, K; Rodriguez, O, ICS Publications, Washington DC.
Carmelite Quotes 
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