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Teresa de Jess
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Wikipedia article
'Teresa de Jess' is a Spanish film mini-series that premiered on national broadcaster Televisin Espaola in 1984. It presents the life of Teresa of Avila, a Spanish saint, mystic, and doctor of the Roman Catholic Church, (Spanish version of announcement) who was at one time proclaimed "patron saint of the Spanish race" by the Spanish government, and has been proposed on multiple occasions since her death to be an official patron saint of Spain. Its dialogue is in Spanish, but versions with English subtitles are available.[https://www.amazon.com/St-Teresa-Avila-Concha-Velasco/dp/B00126STC2 Amazon DVD listing], product description (accessed 1 May 2011) The film stars Concha Velasco as Teresa. Also appearing are Gonzalo Abril as Lorenzo de Cepeda (Teresa's younger brother, 2/8 episodes), Mara Massip as Juana Surez (Teresa's friend, 2/8 episodes), Francisco Rabal as Peter of Alcantara (1 episode), Hctor Alterio (1 episode), and Marina Saura as another nun (8 episodes). It tells the story of Teresa's life from age 23 (in the year 1538) until her death at age 67 (in 1582).
Synopsis
'Teresa de Jess' was originally broadcast from 12 March to 30 April 1984, in the following 8 episodes:[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088246/episodes Episodes at IMDB for "Teresa de Jess" (1984)]Broadcasts were on Mondays. In 1984, Easter fell on April 22.
*Episode 1 (12 Mar): Vida. Teresa is age 23, ill, and travelling to see a local healer. Along the way she is introduced to Francisco de Osuna's book, 'The Third Spiritual Alphabet', which kindles her spiritual interest. She does not respond to treatment, but meets and helps a troubled local priest.DVD booklet, section entitled "About the Film".
*Episode 2 (19 Mar): Camino de perfeccin. Teresa's illness continues for 3 years and she experiences a coma for 3 days, but benefits from a miraculous cure she attributes to St. Joseph. She experiences spiritual aridity, but is inspired by reading St. Augustine's 'Confessions'. She experiences mystical visions that provoke distrust and opposition from fellow nuns and priests.
*Episode 3 (26 Mar): Cuentas de conciencia. Further mystical visions, and continued opposition. She meets her spiritual guide Peter of Alcantara, and first contemplates the idea of a reform movement within her order, the Carmelites.
*Episode 4 (2 Apr): Desafo espiritual. Founding of the first reformed convent, in vila, despite strong opposition from the neighborhood residents. First experiences in living by the new rule.
*Episode 5 (9 Apr): Fundaciones. Founding of several more reformed convents. Teresa meets a young man who joins her order in its first monastery. He was later to become St. John of the Cross.
*Episode 6 (16 Apr): Visita de descalzas. Teresa is appointed against her wishes as prioress of her original (unreformed) convent, and she continues visiting and managing challenges of the newly founded reformed houses. She meets her confessor Father Jernimo Gracin,See Jernimo Gracin at Spanish Wikipedia and is denounced to the Inquisition by Princess Eboli, a noblewoman whose unreasonable demands Teresa had resisted.
*Episode 7 (23 Apr): Las moradas. Conflicts come to a head between reformed (Discalced) and unreformed (Calced) orders.Since Teresa's reform (the Discalced) was restoring original practices, those who did not adopt her changes (the Calced) are also sometimes called the Reformed. St. John of the Cross is imprisoned and tortured by monks of the unreformed order. Eventually, The Pope approves autonomous status for the reformed orders, shielding them from interference from the unreformed.
*Episode 8 (30 Apr): Hija de la Iglesia. Teresa's final illness, last wishes, and passing away. An epilogue about the reported incorruptibility of her remains, and her wider posthumous recognition, including her canonization.
In 2008, the film was released in the US as a 3-disc DVD set with English subtitles.'St. Teresa of Avila [Teresa de Jesus]', [http://www.ignatius.com Ignatius Press], , , . Includes a 16-page booklet with same title. It included a 16-page booklet with episode summaries, Teresa's biography (4-pages) and timeline (1 page), a set of 9 discussion questions,Discussion questions include, for example, "Throughout the film, men are attracted to Teresa. What do you think it is that they find attractive about her?", "What wisdom does Teresa gain from the book given to her by her uncle?", and "What insights does the film offer regarding prayer?" an interview with historian Thomas Dubay, and a bibliography for further reading.DVD booklet.
Awards
'Teresa de Jess' won several awards:[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088246/awards Awards at IMDB for "Teresa de Jess" (1984)]
*Antena de Oro (1984)
*Fotogramas de Plata (1985), Best TV Performer (Mejor intrprete de televisin): Concha Velasco
*TP de Oro (1985), Best Actress (Mejor Actriz): Concha Velasco
*TP de Oro (1985), Best National Series (Mejor Serie Nacional)
References
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