December 14 - Saint John of the Cross

Quick Facts
  • Born in poverty.
  • Cared for the poor in the hospital in Medina.
  • Lay Carmelite brother in 1563 at age 21, though he lived stricter than their Rule.
  • Studied at Salamanca.
  • Carmelite priest, ordained in 1567 at age 25.
  • Persuaded by Saint Teresa of Avila to begin the Discalced or barefoot reform within the Carmelite Order, he took the name John of the Cross.
  • Master of novices.
  • Spiritual director and confessor at Saint Teresa's convent.
  • His reforms did not set well with some of his brothers, and he was ordered to return to Medina.
  • He refused, and was imprisoned at Toledo, Spain, escaping after nine months.
  • Vicar-general of Andalusia.
  • His reforms revitalized the Order.
  • Great contemplative and spiritual writer.
  • Proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI on 24 August 1926.