Bl. Anne of Saint Bartholomew

Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew (1 October 1550 – 7 June 1626), born Ana Garcia in Spain, was a Discalced Carmelite nun and companion of St. Teresa of Ávila. She entered the Carmelite order and developed a close relationship with St. Teresa, who recognized her spiritual potential and appointed her as her personal secretary and confidante. Anne accompanied St. Teresa on her mission to reform the Carmelite order, assisting in the establishment of new convents and the spread of the Discalced Carmelite way of life. After St. Teresa’s death, Anne continued her work, promoting the spiritual teachings of her mentor and sharing her own mystical experiences. She dedicated herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and self-sacrifice, embodying the Carmelite ideals of detachment and union with God. Anne of Saint Bartholomew’s humility and fidelity to the Carmelite charism earned her a reputation for holiness, and she was beatified by the Catholic Church in 1917. She serves as an inspiring example of discipleship, faithfulness, and the transformative power of Carmelite spirituality.