Teresa of Ávila , also called Saint Teresa of Jesus , baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada ( 28 March 15154 October 1582 ) , was a prominent Spanish mystic , Roman Catholic saint , Carmelite nun , author during the Counter Reformation , and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer .
Teresa of Ávila , also called Saint Teresa of Jesus , baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada , ( March 28 , 1515 -- October 4 , 1582 ) was a well known Spanish mystic , Roman Catholic saint , Carmelite nun , writer of the Counter Reformation , and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer .