Anne of Saint Bartholomew

Having become the nurse and secretary to Saint Teresa of Avila, she accompanied her until her death in 1582. In 1604, she left for France with Anne of Jesus to establish the Theresian reform, becoming prioress in Pontoise, Paris, and Tours. In 1611, she joined the Spanish Netherlands and founded the Carmel of Antwerp in 1612. She protected the city of Antwerp from Protestant attacks through her prayers before passing away there on June 7, 1626.

From the time of her death in 1626, an immense crowd of 20,000 people venerated her remains. Her reputation for holiness led to the rapid opening of informative processes. Her heroic virtues were solemnly recognized on June 29, 1735, by Pope Clement XII, who declared her Venerable.

Anne of Saint Bartholomew was beatified on May 6, 1917, by Pope Benedict XV in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. In the midst of the First World War, she was presented as a model of peace. Miraculous healings attributed to her intercession were formally recognized by the Church for the advancement of her cause.

A direct heir to Saint Teresa of Avila, her spirituality is based on silent prayer, humility, and obedience. Although illiterate upon entering the Carmel, she left behind a major literary body of work, including her Autobiography, spiritual treatises such as her Instructions to Novices, and more than 600 letters, constituting an invaluable mystical testimony.