John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross (born Juan de Yepes y Álvarez; 24 June 1542 – 14 December 1591) was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest, mystic, and a major figure of the Counter-Reformation. Born into abject poverty in Fontiveros, Spain, he entered the Carmelite Order and was later persuaded by St. Teresa of Ávila to help her reform the order, returning it to its primitive rule of poverty and prayer. This initiative led to the founding of the Discalced Carmelites but also drew the ire of the Calced friars, who imprisoned him in Toledo in 1577. Confined in a tiny, dark cell and subjected to brutal treatment, John underwent a profound spiritual transformation, composing some of the greatest mystical poetry in the Spanish language during his captivity. After his daring escape, John continued his work in the reform, holding various leadership positions and penning his theological masterpieces, including 'The Dark Night of the Soul' and 'The Ascent of Mount Carmel.' His writings systematically map the journey of the soul through purification to union with God, establishing him as the 'Mystical Doctor' of the Church. Canonized in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926, he remains one of the most influential spiritual writers in Christianity, his works serving as a guide for those seeking the deepest intimacy with the Divine.