More on our newly canonised saint

Thinking about our newly canonised St Anne of Jesus (see Mondy’s blog), I was reminded that the meteoric rise of the Discalced Carmelites in the Seventeenth Century was not just the work of St Teresa alone.  Such was the power and influence of her character that she attracted other great souls to involve themselves in the work.  Anne of St Bartholomew (1549-1626) was a Spanish lady who grew up not far from her; this lady did not hear or speak until the age of seven and had difficulty with literacy, but she became Teresa’s secretary and Teresa died in her arms.  Later she played a leading role in the foundation of convents in France (where growth was explosive) and Flanders, where she became close to the royal family.  Teresa’s close friend Mary of St Joseph (1548-1603) founded the Carmel of Lisbon.  Great leaders are comparatively rare, rarer still those who can in addition inspire others to lead as well.

Intercessions:

Chris, in his last days in intensive care

B, undergoing very demanding treatment for brain cancer in his fifties; and his wife A.

Im, in long-term recovery and continuing treatment for cancer

Ethan, a young boy with severe health problems