“Prayer” not just an activity but a relationship with God

CEBU, Philippines - In celebration of the 500th birthday of St. Teresa of Avila, Rev. Fr. Paulo Gamboa, OCD, stressed the importance of prayer.

Gamboa, during his mass yesterday at the Carmelite Monastery, reminded everyone about the teachings of St. Teresa, the first woman Doctor of the Church, that prayer is not just an activity nor a mere recitation of prayers but a part of relationship with God.

According to Gamboa, St. Teresa believes that there are three values to facilitate a contemplative prayer and these are detachment, humility, and love.

“Daghan kay tag kabalaka gitawag ni St. Teresa nga attachments… unsay tambal ani…detachments. Para mulambo sa pag-ampo ang tulo ka values are needed,” he added.

Carmen Capio, 69, of Talisay City, said she has been a long devotee of St. Teresa of Avila and has showed her devotion to the Saint, the Holy Family and the Catholic Church by being active in church activities.

She said every year, she attends the mass held at the Carmelite Monastery to celebrate the birthday of St. Teresa.

“Dugay nako nga deboto. Tanan nakong problema ako isulti sa iyaha og masulbad raman pud,” she added.

St. Teresa was born on March 28, 1515 in Avila, Spain. At the age of 21, St. Teresa entered La Encarnacion, the Carmelie Monastery in Avila. She died on October 4, 1582 at the age of 67.  She was beatified on April 24, 1614 by Pope Paul V in Rome.

Forty years after her death, St. Teresa was canonized by Pope Gregory XV. She was named as Doctor of the Church in 1971 by Pope Paul V1 due to her writings. —ATO (FREEMAN)