Unknown author

Saint Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart entered the convent of the Discalced Carmelites of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Florence in 1766. In this portrait the Saint is gracefully holding a branch of lilies, symbol of her virginal innocence, between the fingers of her left hand; in her right hand instead she is clutching a small wooden cross, a sign of deep devotion to Christ, to whom she always addressed her prayers and to whom she gave her heart. This painting has been placed in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament because of Saint Teresa Margaret’s ardent love for the Eucharist: During the Offertory, I renew the profession: before the Blessed is raised I pray Our Lord, so that as He transforms that bread and that wine into His precious Body and Blood, may He condescend to change all of me in Himself. I adore Him as He rises and I renew my profession yet again, and then I ask him what I yearn from him.” She respected the Rule meticulously and was very fond of mental prayer, even at night. She also liked to read the works of Saint Teresa of Avila and her invitation to make room for God through inner silence. Her love for God was embodied in her duty as an assistant nurse, performed with extraordinary dedication in her convent. The brief life of this simple nun, in which no special events took place, is now an example to the universal Church.