Teresa was filled with holy thoughts, even as a child. She and one of her brothers read books about the saints. They play acted what it would be like to be a martyr or a hermit. Instead of playing house, Teresa preferred to play convent.

When she was 20, Teresa joined the Carmelites. In those days, many wealthy women in that order had servants living with them and taking care of them. Life in the order was generally easy, but for Teresa it became difficult. She got sick and lay paralyzed for three full years before her health began to improve.

Teresa longed for a simple, quiet, cloistered life of prayer and service. She eventually started a monastery on her own - Saint Joseph?s. In her monastery, the sisters did not own anything individually. They supported themselves by sewing, and they did all the housework and outdoor work themselves. However, Teresa did not like the idea of "sullen saints," so she insisted that her sisters learn how to laugh, dance, and enjoy life.

Because of the humbleness of her reformed group of Carmelites, they were called the order of "discalced Carmelites." Discalced means "without shoes."

Teresa traveled all over Spain starting new houses for her order. Her order was one of humility, obedience to the Spirit, courage, and love. People were drawn to Teresa because these virtues were so obvious in her life.

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