1515–1591

Teresa of Avila and the Discalced Carmelite reform

Teresa entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation in Avila in 1535. Only in 1554 did she undergo her profound conversion – before an image of the scourged Christ and while reading Augustine's "Confessions". It led to the mystical experience described in her works "The Book of My Life", "The Way of Perfection", and "The Interior Castle" (1577).

She sought a return to the strictness of the ancient Carmelite rule. In 1562, despite opposition from the "Calced" Carmelites and the suspicions of the Inquisition, she founded the convent of St Joseph in Avila. From 1567 she founded a whole network of similar houses across Spain. John of the Cross became her ally. With him arose the male branch of the order – the "Discalced" Carmelites.