A Question about Saint Teresa

Dear Father John,

Last weekend, in the parish bulletin, the Mass for Wednesday, October 15 was listed as the Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus. Can you tell me when her name changed from Saint Teresa of Avila, and why?
Mandy

Dear Mandy,

That’s a very good question. Last week, when I was preparing my reflections for my other blog, Bear Witness to the Light, I was somewhat surprised to see the name of the Saint of the Day on October 15 listed as Saint Teresa of Jesus. So, when you asked, I decided to do some research on the topic, and started at the very top, at www.vatican.va , the Holy See website

What I found, in the archives of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, is that both Popes refer to the Saint of the Day on October 15 just about equally as Teresa of Avila and Teresa of Jesus.