St. John of the Cross

Patron Saint of Mystics and Contemplatives

Saint John of the Cross was born in Avila, Spain in 1542. After being ordained a priest in 1568, he became the first friar of the Carmelite reform initiated by Saint Teresa of Avila. He gained a reputation for profound holiness, including knowing how to lead people in mystical experiences of prayer. While being renowned for these mystical experiences, he also lived in the spirit of solitude, humility, and mortification. His spirituality is summarized by a love of suffering and the complete abandonment of the soul to God. Three of his most famous works are Spiritual Canticle, Dark Night of the Soul, and Ascent of Mount Carmel. These 3 and many of his other works can be read today and are considered masterpieces of Spanish literature. For his superb writings and mystical works he was named a Doctor of the Church in 1926. “My soul has been employed, and all my flow in his service; I no longer keep cattle, I do not have another job, that only in love is my exercise.” -Saint John of the Cross