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.