Dreams of founding a convent in Madrid haunted Santa Teresa de Jesús. She never realized it. But stand here with me before the Convento Carmelitas Descalzas de Santa Ana y San José. We’ll uncover how her vision took root.
Santa Teresa’s dream met political and ecclesiastical obstacles. Yet, her spiritual daughters helped by San Juan de la Cruz brought it to life. This happened shortly after her death. In 1586, the Convento Carmelitas Descalzas de Santa Ana y San José was founded. Madre Ana de Jesús a close confidante of Santa Teresa led the charge. She ensured the union of the Discalced Carmelites.
The Convento Carmelitas Descalzas de Santa Ana y San José quickly became a Carmelite hub. It played a crucial role in preserving Santa Teresa’s legacy. A General Chapter of the Carmelites convened here in 1587. They defended Santa Teresa’s original constitutions for the nuns. The male branch wanted stricter rules. The nuns stood their ground.
From here, relationships between all Carmelites flourished. The convent cleverly recovered Santa Teresa’s “Book of Life”. The Inquisition had seized it. This convent acted as a sanctuary and a place of defiance.
The history of the Convento Carmelitas Descalzas de Santa Ana y San José is full of twists. It faced eleven relocations. Most moves were forced by political events. Yet, the Carmelite nuns displayed remarkable resilience. They exemplified a life of martyrdom and devotion.
Sadly, José Bonaparte ordered the demolition of several convents. This one was among them. After the War of Independence, it was rebuilt. Soon, the consequences of disentailment led to its demolition again.
Mesonero Romanos wrote about the plaza where Santa Ana stood. It was founded in 1810. It featured trees, a fountain and a bronze statue of Carlos V. The statue now resides in the Prado Museum.
The convent was inaugurated under the names of Santa Ana and San José in 1611. This paid tribute to the deceased Queen Ana de Austria. It also honored Saint Joseph.
The community faced more challenges during the Spanish Civil War. But they persevered. In 1959, a new community formed. It continues the legacy of Convento Carmelitas Descalzas de Santa Ana y San José at a new location.
Nearly four and a half centuries after its founding, the Monasterio de Santa Ana y San José continues to inspire. It stands as a beacon of contemplative life. It embodies the enduring spirit of Santa Teresa and her followers. Their dream lives on.