John of the Cross (San Juan de la Cruz) (24 June 1542 – 14 December 1591), born Juan de Yepes Álvarez, was a major figure of the Counter-Reformation, a Spanish mystic, Catholic saint, Carmelite friar and priest, born at Fontiveros, Old Castile.
Saint John of the Cross was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered, along with Saint Teresa of Ávila, as a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. He is also known for his writings. Both his poetry and his studies on the growth of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature and one of the peaks of all Spanish literature. He was canonized as a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. He is one of the thirty-three Doctors of the Church. When his feast day was inserted into the General Roman Calendar in 1738, it was assigned at first to 24 November, since his date of death was impeded by the then existing octave of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This obstacle was removed in 1955 and in 1969 his feast day was moved to his date of death, 14 December.
John was a great mystic, he wrote numerous works including the Dark Night of the Soul and the Ascent Of Mount Carmel. He died rather lonely in 1591, persecuted and isolated. He was canonised in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church two hundred years later.
St John of the Cross is the protector of Mystics, theologians and poets.
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To endure all things with a steady and peaceful mind, not only brings with it many blessings to the soul, but also enables us, in the midst of or difficulties, to have a clear judgment about them, and to supply the fitting remedy for them.
– St John of the Cross
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Where you do not find love, put love – and then you will find love.
– St John of the Cross