VISIT FROM THE CITY OF ALBA DE TORMES

November 11, 2014: The Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province at Santa Maria Della Scala in Rome had the unique privilege of extending a cordial welcome to Dr Concepciòn Miguèlez Simòn, the Mayor of the city of Alba de Tormes, Salamanca (where the body of St. Teresa of Avila is laid to rest). She was accompanied by her secretary Mrs. Blanca Sanchez Boyero and the Councilor for culture Dr Pilar Brinon Dominguez .They spent their precious few moments in prayer at the chapel where the right foot of St. Teresa is preserved and venerated. After which they visited the ancient papal pharmacy and they were wonder-struck and revered the splendidness of the pharmacy. Before they said good bye to the community, they extended an affectionate invitation to the entire community members to visit the city of Alba de Tormes in Spain.

The relic of St Teresa of Avila was donated to the Italian Congregation by the Spanish counterpart in the year 1662. In honour of that a chapel was built in order to preserve the relic of the saint. After the second Vatican Council, the Carmelite Order had to reform the Constitutions and accordingly the Council Fathers took the relic in procession and kept in the center of the hall so that St. Teresa could inspire and guide them to rewrite the constitutions. As we are celebrating the fifth birth centenary of St Teresa, may she enable all of us to walk the path of perfection in our day today life.