Original scientific paper

Communion in Teresa of Avila

Edvard Punda orcid.org/0000-0003-1492-0660 ; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split

Abstract

The article treats the idea of communion in Teresa of Avila, a saint and Doctor of the Church (1515­1582). Although she did not systematically concern herself with theology, Teresa left us real spiritual and theological wealth in her works. They are our main source for Teresa’s understanding of communion. Tere­ sa thinks the union as a nun. Her vision of communion stems from her relationship with God, realized as a monastic existen­ ce. Her works are at the same time the description of her inner experiences, her own experience of faith, and also pedagogy of religious life (especially the prayers), incentives for the nuns of her convents. Just these two inseparable realities determine the structure of this article. That is why the theological foundation and concrete instructions related to living and understanding the communion at Teresa are inseparable. Since the article is publis­ hed in the Year of Consecrated Life, at some points, along with Teresa’s thoughts, we also mention the thoughts and incentives of Pope Francis included in his Apostolic Letter to All Consecrated People on the Occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life. By this we want to show that Teresa’s thoughts are still topical.

Keywords

Teresa of Avila; communion; love; communication; monasticism; friendship

Hrčak ID:

148834

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148834

Publication date:

30.11.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 1.480 *