Long before developmental psychologists charted the seasons and passages of our human journey, St. Teresa of Avila mapped the transformation of her personality under the impact of God's love in 16th century Spain. At age 62, this Carmelite nun wrote The Interior Castle, a classic summary of her prayer experience. She images the soul's journey through a crystal castle to its center, culminating in intimate union with God.
John Welch, O.Carm. is a Catholic priest of the Carmelite Order and currently serves as supervisor of the eastern region of the province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. He holds the chair of Carmelite Studies at the Washington Theological Union and is past president of the Carmelite Institute. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including Spiritual Pilgrims: Carl Jung and Teresa of Avila (Paulist, 1982) and When Gods Die: An Introduction to John of the Cross (Paulist, 1990) both of which received National Catholic Book Awards. His most recent book is The Carmelite Way: An Ancient Path for Today's Pilgrim (Paulist, 1996).