Quote of the day, 20 March: St. Teresa of Avila

I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St. Joseph and earnestly recommended myself to him.

I saw clearly that as in this need so in other greater ones concerning honor and loss of soul, this father and lord of mine came to my rescue in better ways than I knew how to ask for.

“I don’t recall up to this day ever having petitioned him for anything that he failed to grant.” (St. Teresa of Avila) #StJoseph #SaintOfTheDay

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It is an amazing thing the great many favors God has granted me through the mediation of this blessed saint, the dangers I was freed from both of body and soul.

For with other saints, it seems the Lord has given them grace to be of help in one need, whereas with this glorious saint, I have experience that he helps in all our needs and that the Lord wants to us understand that just as He was subject to St. Joseph on earth—for since bearing the title of father, being the Lord’s tutor, Joseph could give the Child command—so in heaven God does whatever he commands.

I endeavored to celebrate his feast with all the solemnity possible.

Because of my impressive experience of the goods this glorious saint obtains from God, I had the desire to persuade all to be devoted to him.

I have not known anyone truly devoted to him and rendering him special services who has not advanced more in virtue.

For in a powerful way, he benefits souls who recommend themselves to him. It seems to me that for some years now I have asked him for something on his feast day, and my petition is always granted. If the request is somewhat out of line, he rectifies it for my greater good…

“Anyone who cannot find a master to teach him prayer should take this glorious saint for his master, and he will not go astray.” (St. Teresa of Avila) #StJoseph #SaintOfTheDay

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I only ask for the love of God anyone who does not believe me to try, and he will see through experience the great good that comes from recommending oneself to this glorious patriarch and being devoted to him. Especially persons of prayer should always be attached to him.

For I don’t know how one can think about the Queen of Angels and about when she went through so much with the Infant Jesus without giving thanks to St. Joseph for the good assistance he then provided them both with. Anyone who cannot find a master to teach him prayer should take this glorious saint for his master, and he will not go astray.

Saint Teresa of Avila

The Book of Her Life, chap. 6, nos. 6–8

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.

Featured image: Facade of the Carmel of St. Joseph, Avila