Saint John of the Cross

Reformer Poet Mystic

Saint John of the Cross

Saint, Spaniard and Poet

St. John of the Cross is best known for his poem, The Dark Night of the Soul. Not a poem of tragedy and storms, St. John and all his poems spoke of love and joy, that happiness that only the Father can provide! The Dark Night of the Soul tells of lover encountering Lover, only to become one in heavenly communion. Like with St. Teresa, his only true desire was to achieve that complete union when he and the Lord would be one.

As we turn the pages of St. John of the Cross’ story, you will discover a powerful woman in this powerful man’s life. Like with St. Francis of Assisi, whose Sister Moon was St. Clare, the story of St. John cannot be told without St. Teresa of Avila. God was to use her to change the course of his life. He loved her with a powerful celibate love, the gift we will all bring to the Father as we face Him on our last day. Almost thirty years older than he, at times she led him; at other times, she leaned on him. Born into a strong macho society, he was free to recognize, love and follow this controversial woman who, with him, would unseat and ruffle the feathers of the

Saint John of the Cross joined with St. Teresa of Avila to reform the Carmelite Order.
Go to Medina del Campo, where he celebrated his first Mass.
Follow his life, as he brings about reform of the Discalced Male Carmelites in Avila, Salamanca, Alba de Tormes and visit Segovia where he is buried.
View his magnificent tomb at Segovia. Canonized in 1726, 200 years later, he was declared a Doctor of the Universal Church