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.
