Courtyard At Convent Of The Incarnation BW

by Joan Carroll

Title

Courtyard At Convent Of The Incarnation BW

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Art

Description

It's just a short walk outside the historic city walls of Avila, the Convent of the Incarnation. Who would visit on a blustery rainy day? Even though it was 'open', they clearly weren't expecting visitors! However, if you want to appreciate Avila, it's important to understand its connection to this place. Or if you are a devout Catholic, this would be an important stop during a trip to Avila. St Teresa entered this convent on November 2, 1535 and lived there for 30 years. It was here that she received the advice of Francisco de Borja, Juan de la Cruz (John of the Cross) and Pedro de Alcantara, began to reform the Carmelite order, and had some of her mystical experiences. Teresa left the convent in 1562 to found her first monastery and returned in 1571 as prioress. She left the Convent for the final time three years later. This courtyard is at the visitors' entrance and is paved with a visual representation of the Interior Castle, written by St. Teresa in 1577. This work compares the contemplative soul to a castle with seven successive interior courts, or chambers, analogous to the seven heavens. You can't really take photos inside but the experience is worth the visit even for the non-believer. I was personally let into the small museum, and heard the door locked behind me! I was to ring the bell when I was ready to leave. Then I was personally escorted to the church, since it was locked and I was the only person there. Because of that unique occurrence, I found the church perfectly silent. There were no other people shuffling or fidgeting around, no cameras clicking, no pages of tour books being turned, no people knocking into any of the pews, no sounds of air conditioning or heating or fans, no sounds of traffic outside. In short, not a single sound. I closed my eyes and let the deafening silence engulf me. I could see where such an environment would be conducive to a life of contemplation.

Uploaded

February 23rd, 2016

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