Not long ago saintly people were esteemed for the extraordinary graces they received from God's merciful love. St Teresa of Jesus had no difficulty in impressing those who identify holiness with mystical graces. Her experiences included some of the highest forms of Christian living. St Teresa of Jesus will not disappoint the modern day mentality. Even a superficial study of her life and work will reveal her to be one of the most "human" and attractive of saints. St Teresa is well known for her familiarity and intimacy with God. As she fell into a stream, she complained to God for this mishap. The Lord advised her that this is how he treated his friends. Teresa's witty reply: 'No wonder you have so few of them" mirrors the familiarity of the psalmist and of God's chosen ones with their heavenly Father. But this personal, familiar approach was not reserved for God. Norah Melia, long-time member of Carmel's secular Institute, The Leaven, has been inspired to study St Teresa's friendships with various significant persons in her life. St Teresa spontaneously jumps from these pages as anything but an alienated, scared, fearsome religious. On the contrary, she demonstrates that intimate communion with the Lord leads to the most satisfying and enriching relationships with those around us.