August 26th - Feast of the Transverberation of St. Teresa of Jesus

On August 26th, Discalced Carmelites and the community of Apostoli Viae celebrate the Feast of the Transverberation (or Transpierecing of the Heart) of St. Teresa of Avila, Virgin, Doctor, and Reformer of the Carmelite Order.

The term transverberation comes from the Latin transverberare which means to pierce through. In mystical theology, it is also known by the Italian word ferita (wound) or ‘heart wound. It has also been referred to as the Seraph’s assault because it is often accompanied by a vision of an angel who inflicts the wound. The transverberation is a mystical grace wherein the Saint’s heart was pierced with a “dart of love” by an angel. St. John of the Cross writes that “It will happen that while the soul is inflamed with the Love of God, it will feel that a seraph is assailing it by means of an arrow or dart which is all afire with love. And the seraph pierces and in an instant cauterizes this soul, which, like a red-hot coal, or better a flame, is already enkindled. The soul is converted into an immense fire of Love. Few persons have reached these heights.” 

St Teresa describes her experience in Chapter XXIII in The Book of Her Life:

Our Lord was pleased that I should have at times a vision of this kind: I saw an angel close by me, on my left side, in bodily form. This I am not accustomed to see, unless very rarely. Though I have visions of angels frequently, yet I see them only by an intellectual vision, such as I have spoken of before. It was our Lord’s will that in this vision I should see the angel in this wise. He was not large, but small of stature, and most beautiful—his face burning, as if he were one of the highest angels, who seem to be all of fire: they must be those whom we call cherubim. Their names they never tell me; but I see very well that there is in heaven so great a difference between one angel and another, and between these and the others, that I cannot explain it.

I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron’s point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all on fire with a great love of God. The pain was so great, that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain, that I could not wish to be rid of it. The soul is satisfied now with nothing less than God. The pain is not bodily, but spiritual; though the body has its share in it, even a large one. It is a caressing of love so sweet which now takes place between the soul and God, that I pray God of His goodness to make him experience it who may think that I am lying.

During the days that this lasted, I went about as if beside myself. I wished to see, or speak with, no one, but only to cherish my pain, which was to me a greater bliss than all created things could give me.

I was in this state from time to time, whenever it was our Lord’s pleasure to throw me into those deep trances, which I could not prevent even when I was in the company of others, and which, to my deep vexation, came to be publicly known. Since then, I do not feel that pain so much, but only that which I spoke of before—I do not remember the chapter —which is in many ways very different from it, and of greater worth. On the other hand, when this pain, of which I am now speaking, begins, our Lord seems to lay hold of the soul, and to throw it into a trance, so that there is no time for me to have any sense of pain or suffering, because fruition ensues at once. May He be blessed for ever, who hath bestowed such great graces on one who has responded so ill to blessings so great!

Nine months after St. Teresa died, her body was exhumed and was found to be incorrupt. Her heart was removed, enclosed in a crystal vessel, and placed in a reliquary. The wound from the angels dart is visible and still can been seen today at Alba de Tomes in Spain. 

In the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians  (13: 1-10, 12-13), St. Paul reminds us that “Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end.” In the Gospel from St John (14:23-27) we hear Jesus’ words, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him.”

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I offer you all the pain of not loving you enough in union with the sufferings of Your Sacred Heart. Heal my poor heart.

Eternal Father, in Your Divine Will, I offer you all the love of the Most Holy Trinity, all the love contained in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, all the love of the Immaculate heart of Mary, and all the love, the payers and holy longings of all the saints and faithful that have ever live and will ever live until the end of times, as my own and in reparation for those who do not love you. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

image: Ecstasy of St. Theresa by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini