Saint Teresa of Ávila, born in 1515 in Spain, was a prominent mystic and reformer of the Carmelite Order. She is known for her deep spiritual writings, including "The Interior Castle," which explores the journey of the soul toward God. Teresa emphasized the importance of prayer and contemplation in achieving a closer relationship with the divine. In 1562, she founded the Discalced Carmelites, a reformed branch of the Carmelite Order, focusing on a more austere and contemplative lifestyle. Canonized in 1614, she became the first female Doctor of the Church in 1970, recognized for her significant contributions to Christian spirituality.