St. John of the Cross
Doctor of the Church, Mystic
Feast Day: December 14
Biography
St. John of the Cross (1542–1591) was a Spanish Carmelite friar, priest, and mystic. A close collaborator of St. Teresa of Ávila in the reform of the Carmelite Order, he was imprisoned for nine months by unreformed Carmelites who opposed the reform. In the darkness of a tiny cell, he composed some of the most sublime mystical poetry ever written, including 'The Dark Night of the Soul' and 'The Spiritual Canticle.' His writings describe the soul's journey through purification (the dark night) to union with God. He taught that God strips away our attachments — even spiritual consolations — so that we learn to love Him for Himself alone. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. John of the Cross, you found God in the darkest night. Help me to trust that God is closest when He seems most absent, and to seek Him above every consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. John of the Cross, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. John of the Cross, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.