Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars (1843-1897)
for August 26
Saint Teresa was born in Catalonia, Spain. She faced many hardships in her youth, finally becoming a teacher at Lerida. Teresa yearned to begin religious life, but was not accepted into the convent that she wished to enter. After she was turned down, her spiritual director recommended that she start her own congregation. Taking his advice, Teresa began the Little Sisters of the Poor at Barbastra in 1872. Her congregation soon expanded and flourished. She died in 1897, and was canonized in 1974. She is fittingly the patron saint of those rejected by religious orders.
Read more about Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars (1843-1897)
Reflection
Saint Teresa had a dream and followed it--but, initially, she failed. Many of us have dreams and spend considerable time trying to make them a reality. However, though we often fail to achieve our dreams, it is important to remember that, often, the failure of one dream means that a greater and ultimately more fulfilling path awaits us. Saint Teresa's failure to achieve her initial dream, only to achieve a greater and more meaningful dream, is a testament to the importance of maintaining optimism and trust in God.
Prayer
Dear God, please help me know that you have a plan for me and that, even when things are looking bad, they will turn around.
