St. Teresa of Jesus of the Andes (1900-1920) was born Juana Enriqueta Josefina of the Sacred Hearts Fernandez Solar. Her family and friends nicknamed her Juanita.  As a youth she read a biography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux that inspired her to grow in her faith and choose a path in life that led toward a religious vocation. By the age of 14 she knew she wanted to consecrate herself as a religious Carmelite nun.
 
At the age of 19, she began her novitiate with Carmelites and took the name “Teresa of Jesus.” She was particularly drawn to the religious life with the Carmelites because she enjoyed the simple life offered in the convent, the companionship of the other sisters living and serving Jesus alongside her. She also found joy in her proximity to the Blessed Sacrament where she would often be found in prayer.
 
During her short time with the Carmelites before her death, she wrote many letters to friends, family, and other community members. She considered these letters her apostolate and shared her thoughts as well as spiritual encouragement with those with whom she corresponded. Her writings frequently focused on her experiences of and thoughts on living a fulfilling spiritual life.
 
After a particularly violent attack of typhus, she was permitted to take her vows early because it was feared she would die. After her vows and receiving her last rites, she succumbed to the disease just three months before her twentieth birthday.
 
St. Teresa of Jesus of the Andes’s short yet faith-filled life stands as a lasting testament to believers everywhere that one’s life doesn’t have to be long and filled with lofty accomplishments to be an amazing example of faith and Christ’s love. St. Teresa, pray for us!