How to Differentiate Between the Two Saints Teresa

Having grown up Catholic with Teresa as my middle name, I have come to realize that a good many people do not know that two women saints share the same name. And no, Mother Teresa of Calcutta is not one of them. Yet.

The name can be spelled either Theresa or Teresa in English. One woman was from France, the other from Spain. Here is the background information you need to understand these remarkable women.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Therese portraying Joan of Arc

   Learn about St.Therese of Lisieux.
   
   The French St. Theresa has become, since her death at age 24 in 1897, one of the more popular saints within the Catholic Church. As a young Carmelite nun, she lived a cloistered life in Lisieux and was known for her "little way" -- redeeming oneself through the little things one does throughout the day. Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, is read and loved by many.
   
   She is also known as The Little Flower and as Therese of the Child Jesus. Therese, pronounced teh-REZ, is simply the French spelling for Theresa/Teresa. Her feast day is October 1.

2. 
   image of Teresa of Avila

   2. Learn about St. Teresa of Avila.
   
   The Spanish St.Teresa was born in the medieval, walled city of Avila in 1515. Along with her compatriot, St. John of the Cross, she is regarded as one of the great mystics of all time. A nun, she was a fighter and reformer who spoke her own mind. Highly intellectual, she wrote classics such as The Interior Castle and her autobiography, Way of Perfection.
   
   She is the first woman to become a Doctor of the Church. Teresa is the Spanish spelling of the name and is pronounced teh-REH-sah. Her feast day is October 15.

3. Learn the French and Spanish equivalents of these names. The French saint is Sainte Therese de Lisieux in her native tongue. In Spanish, St. Teresa becomes Santa Teresa d'Avila, or de Avila.

Tips & Warnings

• Mother Teresa of Calcutta was beatified in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. Beatification is a step toward eventual sainthood.
• For the curious, I was named after the French saint.

Resources

• Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila
• Story of a Soul: Autobiography of St. Therese

[makaksa]

on 11/23/2009 Good points on differentiating between the two Saints Teresa.

[nutritionist5]

on 11/20/2009 I have printed this for my oldest daughther, who is named Teresa! The name used to be super common, but everyone always comments how they do not here the name anymore when I introduce here! Great Article!! 5*

[billips]

on 10/27/2009 Very interesting article - enjoyed reading it as I have to admit it is something I know little about - 5* - B.

[crosswised]

on 9/29/2009 Very good article on how to differentiate between the two Saints Teresa! Very interesting. Rated 5*

[mweise]

on 9/18/2009 I didn't know there were two!!! Thanks for helping me understand my mother's religion more - Teresa was her religious name :)