He December 14thHe catholic saints Honor Saint John of the Crossone of the great spiritual teachers of the Christian tradition. A poet, theologian and reformer, he is considered in English and Italian sources to be one of the most profound mystical authors in the history of the Church.
Saint Damasus I, the Pope who consolidated apostolic memory and renewed the early Church
Saint John of the Cross: Poet, Reformer and Doctor of Christian Mysticism
Juan de Yepes He was born in Fontiveros, Spain, in 1542 and joined the Order of Carmel at an early age. According to the Carmelite archives in English, his encounter with Saint Teresa of Avila It was crucial: together they promoted Carmel’s reform, based on austerity, contemplative prayer and a return to authentic community life.
Authoritarians don’t like that
The practice of professional and critical journalism is a mainstay of democracy. That is why it bothers those who believe that they are the owners of the truth.
His life was marked by intense trials. Italian sources describe his imprisonment by Carmelites who opposed the reform. In this dark cell he wrote some of the most famous verses in spiritual literature, such as the beginning of the “Spiritual Canticle,” which is considered the pinnacle of universal mysticism.
The doctrine of Saint John of the Crosscollected in works such as “dark night And “Climbing Mount Carmel”analyzes the stages of the spiritual path and proposes a process of internal purification leading to union with God. Studies in English highlight his ability to combine poetry, theology and personal experiences with a deeply symbolic language.
Saint Melchizedek: the biblical priest and king who inspires the saints of December 10th
His influence extended beyond Carmel. Theologians, writers and psychologists have considered his work to be one of the best treatises on inner experience. The Catholic Encyclopedia He is described in English as “one of the greatest contemplatives of all time” and the Vatican named him a Doctor of the Church in 1926.
Today’s devotion to Saint John of the Cross includes prayers asking for inner clarity, strength in the face of trials, and spiritual growth. Traditional Italian devotions evoke the following: “San Giovanni della Croce, guida i nostri passi nella night verso la luz divina.” His writings continue to inspire retreats, Bible studies, and spiritual formation.
In addition to Saint John of the CrossOn December 14th, saints become like San Venancio Fortunato, Santa Dróetia and martyrs of the early church. The week also includes important festivals such as: Saint Lucia (December 13th) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12th), strong moments of the Advent calendar.
In the city of Buenos Aires, the Carmelite spirituality of San Juan de la Cruz is lived with particular intensity Convent of the Discalced Carmelites of San Josélocated in the Recoleta neighborhood, where contemplative prayer and the reading of his writings are encouraged as a path to inner growth.
About The Author
