In the Catholic tradition, “The Four Great Teresas” refers to four outstanding women saints named Teresa (or Thérèse) whose lives, writings, and spirituality have profoundly shaped the Church across centuries. Each represents a distinct path of holiness, yet all converge in deep love for Christ and the Church.

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1. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582)

Doctor of the Church | Mystic | Reformer

• A Spanish Carmelite nun and one of the greatest mystics in Christian history.
• Principal reformer of the Carmelite Order, founding the Discalced Carmelites with St. John of the Cross.
• Her spirituality centers on interior prayer, intimacy with God, and the soul’s journey toward union with Him.
• Major works include The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection.
• Proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1970—the first woman to receive this title.

Key theme: Friendship with Christ through deep, disciplined prayer.

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2. St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (St. Thérèse of Lisieux) (1873–1897)

Doctor of the Church | “The Little Flower”

• A French Discalced Carmelite nun who lived a hidden, simple life yet left an immense spiritual legacy.
• Known for her “Little Way”—doing small things with great love and total trust in God’s mercy.
• Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, has touched millions across the world.
• Declared Doctor of the Church in 1997 by St. John Paul II, despite her young age and short life.

Key theme: Holiness through simplicity, humility, and childlike trust.

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3. St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) (1910–1997)

Missionary of Charity | Apostle of the Poor

• Albanian-born missionary who served the poorest of the poor in India and beyond.
• Founder of the Missionaries of Charity, now serving worldwide.
• Her spirituality was deeply Eucharistic and Christ-centered, especially Christ in the distressing disguise of the poor.
• Known for heroic charity amid long years of interior spiritual darkness.
• Canonized in 2016.

Key theme: Serving Christ through radical love for the poorest and most abandoned.

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4. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) (1891–1942)

Martyr | Philosopher | Carmelite Nun

• A Jewish-born German philosopher and student of Edmund Husserl.
• Converted to Catholicism after reading The Life of St. Teresa of Ávila.
• Became a Discalced Carmelite nun and took the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
• Martyred at Auschwitz during the Holocaust.
• Co-patroness of Europe.

Key theme: Truth, the Cross, and total self-offering to God.

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A Shared Legacy

Though different in culture, vocation, and era, the Four Great Teresas share:

• Profound Christ-centered spirituality
• Courage to respond radically to God’s call
• A lasting impact on prayer, theology, service, and witness
• A reminder that holiness takes many forms: contemplation, simplicity, service, and sacrifice

Together, they form a luminous constellation of sanctity—guiding the Church in prayer, love, truth, and the Cross.