SAINT TERESA AND THE HOUSE OF ALBA
An everlasting friendship

All throughout her lifetime, Saint Teresa maintained a close relationship with the House of Alba. In particular, with Duchess María Enríquez de Toledo, wife of the Great Duke of Alba, Don Fernando. This relationship was key to the fact that Teresa died in Alba de Tormes. This happened because Teresa, who felt that her death was close and was on her way to Ávila, her hometown, did not hesitate to turn back when the Duchess called her to witness the birth of one of her grandchildren. Her health then worsened and she spent her last days in bed, finally died at 9.00 pm on the 4^th of October, 1582, in a cell of the Carmelite Monastery.

It may seem strange that a saint who made austerity and simplicity the laws of her life, kept such a long, close friendship with one of the most powerful - and rich - noble dynasties of her time. But so it was. This tie was very important in the foundational work carried out by Saint Teresa.