John of Avila

John of Avila was born on January 6, 1499 or 1500 in Almodóvar del Campo, near Toledo, Spain. He was the only son of devout Christian parents who were wealthy and of high social standing. His father was of Jewish ancestry, and his mother may also have been Jewish. John received a good education and showed an early interest in spiritual matters. He studied law at the University of Salamanca, but left without obtaining a degree. He felt called to the priesthood and distributed his inheritance to the poor. He was ordained in 1526 and intended to become a missionary in Mexico, but the archbishop of Seville persuaded him to stay in Spain and evangelize Andalusia. John became one of the greatest preachers of his time, attracting large crowds with his eloquent and fiery sermons. He denounced evil and corruption in society and in the church, and called for reform and renewal. He also wrote many letters and treatises on various aspects of Christian life, such as prayer, love, humility, and suffering. His writings are considered classics of Spanish mysticism and spirituality. He was a friend and spiritual director of many saints, such as Teresa of Avila, John of God, Francis Borgia, John of the Cross, Ignatius of Loyola, and Peter of Alcantara. He also founded several colleges and seminaries for the education of priests. John suffered from various illnesses throughout his life, especially in his later years. He spent his last years in semi-retirement in Montilla, in the province of Córdoba. He died there on May 10, 1569, at the age of 70. He was buried in the Jesuit Church of the Incarnation, which now serves as a sanctuary to his memory. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1893 and canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970. In 2012, he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI. His feast day is celebrated on May 10. He is known as the Apostle of Andalusia and the patron saint of Spanish secular clergy.