Religious Communities
Basilica of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Lezajsk, Lady of Consolation)
In 1578, a pious woodcutter named Tomasz Michałek saw a bright light in the forest. The Virgin asked him to alert the authorities to build a church. Thomas, scared, did nothing. The Virgin appeared again, asking him to take action and ending his silence. Thomas approached the authorities but was not believed. Under a subsequent priest, a small chapel was built, then a larger shrine in 1606. Today the shrine is part of a larger Bernardine monastery, and contains the image of Our Lady of Consolation.
Church and birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus (Casa Natal Santa Teresa de Jesus)
This 17th-century church, run by the Discalced Carmelites, marks the spot where St Teresa of Avila is believed to have been born. The church houses a museum dedicated to her life and works.
Convent of our Lady of Carmen (Convento de Nuestra Senora del Carmen), Soria
The fifteenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1581.
Convent of the Anunciation (Convento de La Anunciacion), Alba de Tormes
The eigth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1571, and also the place of her death in 1582. Today the main altarpiece houses St. Teresa's incorrupt heart and arm.
Convento de San Jose del Carmen (Las Teresas), Seville
The eleventh of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1575. This convent does not appear open to the public.
Convento de San Jose y Santa Ana, Burgos
The last of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1582.
Convento de San Jose, Avila
The first of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1562. Visitors can explore the church, cloister, and St. Teresa's cell, now a chapel dedicated to prayer.
Convento de San Jose, Caravaca de la Cruz
The twelvth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1576.
Convento de San Jose, Granada
The sixteenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1582. Co-founded with St. John of the Cross.
Convento de San Jose, Malagon
The third of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1568.
Convento de San Jose, Medina del Campo
The second of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1567, and also where she met and influenced St. John of the Cross. Now houses a museum.
Convento de San Jose, Segovia
The ninth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1574.
Convento de San Jose, Toledo
The fifth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1569.
Convento de Santa Ana, Villanueva de la Jara
The thirteenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1580.
Convento de Santa Teresa, Valladolid
The fourth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1568.
Convento del Carmen, Pastrana
The sixth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1569. St. John of the Cross may have written his *Dark Night of the Soul* and *Ascent of Mount Carmel* here. In 1836 the convent was confiscated by the Spanish government, but in 1855 was reoccupied by Conceptionist Franciscan nuns. Today it serves as a Conceptionist convent and Teresan museum.
Jasna Gora Monastery (Our Lady of Czestochowa)
The Monastery of Jasna Gora in Częstochowa, Poland, is the third-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. Home to the beloved miraculous icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, the monastery is also the national shrine of Poland and a pillar of Polish Catholicism.
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
The 18th of the 21 California missions, founded in 1798. It is attached to the Franciscan community of the same name.
Mission Santa Barbara
The 10th of the 21 California missions, founded in 1786.
Monasterio de las Batuecas
The seventh of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila in 1578. Its secluded setting reflects her desire for a life dedicated to prayer and contemplation. As noted on the official site - the Carmelite Desert, more than a geographical place, is an interior experience of solitude and contemplation. The monastery accepts pilgrims looking for a contemplative retreat. Guests are invited to participate in community prayers.
Monasterio de San Jose del Salvador, Beas
The tenth of 17 communities founded by St. Teresa of Avila, in 1575.
Monastery of the Incarnation (Monasterio de La Encarnacion)
Founded in 1478, this Carmelite convent in Avila was where Saint Teresa entered as a young woman and lived for 27 years. She took her vows here and began her journey as a mystic and reformer. The monastery features her cell, the Chapel of Transverberation and a museum dedicated to her life. St. John of the Cross spent notable amounts of time here as well, and during one session of prayer, received a vision of Christ on the Cross from "above." The saint's drawing remains at the museum.