Sister Mary of St. Teresa (1623–1677), Carmelite tertiary
(conclusion)
XXVII. The spirit of love for the beloved Mother often acts and works so innocently that a person possesses qualities, thinks, and behaves like a two- to three-year-old child. My spirit turns and clings to this most sweet Mother in such a way as described in the fourth treatise of the Introduction. (This refers to the work of Fr. Michael of St. Augustine, Introductio in terram Carmeli). Her maternal lap is often a refuge and a place of peace for me. There I find great satisfaction, strength, and comfort, which refreshes and renews the spirit and nature. The spirit of love approaches her very spontaneously, innocently, and intimately, drawn by her and invited to suck from her maternal breasts, just like a small and innocent child. Thus, I cling to them with such tender love and delightful tasting, as if it were truly happening. However, we must not think that it is indeed happening. The spirit of love acts differently and with various intentions.
Be that as it may, since the feast of her Assumption, this spirit of tender love for the lovable Mother has been within me. Her most holy name is often so sweet on my lips that I would gladly lick my lips for that sweetness, and I would almost insatiably repeat: “Maria, Maria, my lovable and gracious Mother…,” with various surges of love, even when I endure some suffering, torment, and distress in body and spirit. That maternal lap is for me a refreshing, calming, and healing of all my internal and external ailments, troubles, struggles, etc., and there I forget all of this and lay it down like a carefree child who thinks of nothing else but to constantly enjoy this most lovable lap and its maternal tenderness.
(Notes from September 9, 1677, about two months before the death of Sister Mary)
