St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online@Facebook
(Franciscan Media) Born in Spain as Juan de Santa Maria de Yepes according to SQPN Juan became a Carmelite Lay Brother in 1563 studying for the Priesthood in NW Spain at Salamanca – Ordained a Priest in 1567 he took the name St. John of the Cross.
John is a Saint because his life was a heroic effort
to live up to his name:
- “If anyone want to become My followers,
let them deny themselves
and take up their cross and follow Me.” Mark 8:34
Partnering with St. Teresa of Avila (Feast Day: 15 October) Fr. John vowed himself to the primitive Rule of the Discalced Carmelites ‘discalced’ meaning barefoot, symbolizing the simplicity which they chose to return the Order after a period of corruption. Fr. John engaged in the work of reform and came to experience the life of it from stiff opposition, misunderstanding and persecution–Fr. John in his lifetime, came to know the Cross he took up acutely.
Fr. John passed away on this date in 1591 in Spain, was Beatified in 1675 by Pope Clement X and Canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII
More here from EWTN
Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. John of the Cross, Visit: -USCCB