Also known as:  Doctor of Mystical Theology
Memorial:  14 December

Profile
Born in poverty. Cared for the poor in the hospital in Medina. Lay Carmelite brother at age 21, though he lived stricter than their Rule. Studied at Salamanca. Carmelite priest 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. His reforms did not set well with some of his brothers, and he was imprisoned, escaping after nine months. His reforms revitalized the Order. Great contemplative and spiritual writer. Proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI on 24 August 1926.

Born:  24 June 1542 at Fontiveros, Spain
Died:  14 December 1591 at Ubeda
Beatified:  25 January 1675 by Pope Clement X
Canonized:  27 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII
Name Meaning:  God is gracious (= John)
Patronage:  contemplative life, contemplatives, mystical theology, mystics, Spanish poets

Readings
Never was fount so clear,
undimmed and bright;
From it alone, I know proceeds all light
although ’tis night.

Saint John of the Cross