SAINT THERESA OF AVILA , also called Saint Theresa of Jesus, was prominent Spanish mystic and Carmelite nun. She was born on March 28, 1515 in Avila, Spain. She was a reformer of the Carmelite order and is considered to be, along with John of the Cross, a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. She is the patron saint of bodily ills, loss of parents, and people in need of grace. Her feast day is October 15.