Teresa Margaret was born in Arezzo in Tuscany in 1747 of the noble Redi family, and entered the Discalced Carmelites in Florence on September 1, 1764. She was given a special contemplative experience concerning the words of Saint John, “God is love.” She felt deeply that her vocation was to live a hidden life of love and self-immolation.
The “Brother B” to whom the Carmelite Rule is directed remains shrouded in the mystery of the ages. Even his name “Brocard” depends on a tradition which cannot be entirely supported. So what can we know about Brocard?
Albert Avogadro was born about the middle of the Twelfth Century in Castel Gualteri in Italy. He became a Canon Regular of the Holy Cross at Mortara and was elected their prior in 1180. Named Bishop of Bobbio in 1184, and of Vercelli in 1185, he was made Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1205. There, in word and example, he was the model of a good pastor and peace-maker.
