St. Teresa was born in Avila, Spain in 1515. She was the daughter of a business trader and his second wife. Her father died when Teresa was 15, being one of ten children. Shortly after this, Teresa was giving over to the care of a group of Augustinian nuns. After reading some of St. Jerome's works she resolved to enter a Religious order. In 1535, she joined the Carmelites. She lived in the convent, but often had severe illnesses that left her legs paralyzed for three years. However during this t