Final answer:
St Teresa of Avila's life and writings exemplify the marks of the church through her mystic experiences and descriptions meant to relate the divine to the physical world. Saints like St. Francis of Assisi and Teresa helped in redefining spirituality and morality within the Catholic Church during the late medieval period. Their legacies influenced church teachings and emphasized a compassionate faith with a renewed focus on Mary and charity.
Step-by-step explanation:
St Teresa of Avila's life and writings provide a vivid illustration of the marks of the church. Her mysticism and visions embody the spiritual depth that marked late medieval devotional writing, which often featured intense experiences described in physical or emotional terms. The way Teresa described her visions was meant to make the mystical experiences relatable to the physical world, helping faithful believers connect with the divine. She lived through the Reformation and expressed a faith so profound that Michelangelo remarked it helped sow the seeds of faith
During this period, saints like St. Teresa and St. Francis of Assisi were revolutionizing Christian thought and practice. Francis's life had been depicted in "Vita" icons, showcasing his radical approach to embodying Christ's suffering and renunciation of worldly possessions. These icons and the ascetic lives of saints highlighted the newly reinforced roles of spirituality and morality within the Catholic Church.
Furthermore, through the writings and teachings of saints like St. Teresa, the Church illustrated its renewed vigor and instructive role by shepherding the faithful, reinforcing doctrinal teachings, and encouraging virtuous behavior. This period also saw a rise in the importance of Christ and Mary, indicating a shift towards a more personal and compassionate faith, with Mary, in particular, representing a positive image of women and a focus on charity within the Church.