Poor from Childhood
St. John of the Cross was born into a poor family. His father died while he was still young, as did his older brother. His mother then sent him to a school run by the Society of Jesus, which had only recently been established. In 1563, at the age of 18, he completed his schooling and joined the Carmelite Order. The following year, he took his vows and began studying theology and philosophy at the University of Salamanca. He was ordained a priest in 1567.
He had planned to join the Carthusians, but that same year in Medina, he met Teresa of Avila, who was opening her second convent there. Impressed by her idea of reforming the Carmelite Order, he abandoned his plan to join the Carthusians, and the next year, along with others, he founded the male house of the Discalced Carmelites in 1568 in Duruelo, in the province of Avila where Teresa was prioress. He died on the night from December 13 to 14, 1591, after a long and severe illness.
Legacy
St. John of the Cross left a great legacy behind him. Some of his most well-known works are the books “The Dark Night of the Soul” and “The Ascent of Mount Carmel,” which explore the spiritual journey toward union with God. These texts describe the soul’s purification process, known as the “dark night,” where one experiences spiritual dryness and desolation as a means to grow closer to God.
He was also a profound poet. His poetry is not only aesthetically beautiful but deeply theological, expressing his mystical experiences. His most famous poems include “The Dark Night,” “The Spiritual Canticle,” and “The Living Flame of Love.” These were later expanded into his prose works.
His writings are considered key texts in Christian mysticism, offering insights into the nature of spiritual development, contemplation, and divine union. His works have influenced not just Christian spirituality but also psychology, particularly in discussions about spiritual crises or the “dark night” as a phase of personal growth.
Sainthood and Doctor of the Church
He was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII, and in 1926, Pope Pius XI declared him a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his significant contributions to theological teaching.
