Byzantine Discalced Carmelites - Bl. Anne of St. Bartholomew

Anne Garcia, a Spaniard, was born in Almendral, a village near Avila, in 1549. The sixth of seven children, Anne lost parents at an early age. She was then raised by her elder siblings and spent much of her time tending the family's flocks.

Despite family disapproval, Anne entered the monastery of San Jose in Avila, as a lay Sister, Anne was illiterate. Favored at an early age with a deep union with God and mystical graces, while remaining a soul of simplicity , St. Teresa and the young lay-sister harmonized well. Teresa took Anne for her traveling companion and wished to always have her around, confiding in her perhaps more than in anyone else.

Falling down a flight of stairs left Teresa with a crippled arm. Thenceforth, Anne became nurse and secretary to Holy Mother. Her immediate ability to read and write was considered miraculous.

In 1582 Teresa and Anne were in Alba de Tormes and the dying foundress called Anne to her bedside, placing her head in Anne's arms and thus expired. Then Anne returned to Avila. In 1604, she was chosen, one of a small group Terssa's Nuns to take the Teresian Carmel to France. Anne was given the black veil of a choir sister, and made Prioress of the Carmel of Pointoise. In 1611, she went to Flanders and founded the Carmel of Antwerp. Blessed Anne died on the feast of the Most Holy Trinity in 1626 with a reputation for great sanctity.