My favourite woman saint is the wonderful Carmelite, Teresa of Avila. Bernini's sculpture is a wonderful picture but is even more stunning in reality when you see it in the side chapel in Santa Maria della Vittoria. The French portrait of 1827 is magnificently romantic, but the one with the dove is probably the most life like, being a copy of a painting of the Madre made when she was 61. Much could be said about her but I love this little poem of hers and will let her words give a taste of the strength, wisdom and humour of the lady herself. Enjoy her!
LAUGHTER CAME FROM EVERY BRICK
Just these two words He spoke
changed my life,
"Enjoy Me."
What a burden I thought I was to carry -
a crucifix, as did He.
Love once said to me, "I know a song,
would you like to hear it?"
And laughter came from every brick in the street
and from every pore
in the sky.
After a night of prayer, He
changed my life when
He sang,
"Enjoy Me."
St Teresa of Avila
No comments:
Post a Comment