Today we remember the life and works of St. John of the Cross, founder of the Discalced Carmelites.
St. John of the Cross was born as John de Yepes on June 24, 1542, at Fontiveros, Spain. He was the youngest child of Gonzalo de Yepes and Catherine Alvarez. His father was a descendant of a rich family in France but was disowned for marrying a weaver’s daughter.
John received his early education from a school in Medina del Campo. As a student, he was found to be attentive and diligent in his studies. At 14, his services were taken by the governor of the hospital of Medina to care for the hospital patients who were suffering from incurable illnesses. For seven years, John divided his time between waiting on the poorest of the poor and pursuing his education.
In 1563, at the age of 21, he entered the Carmelites at Medina, taking the name of John of the Cross, and was ordained priest at the age of 25. At his first Mass, he received the assurance that he would preserve his baptismal innocence. After his ordination, he was given permission to follow the original rule of Albert of Verc
elli which imposed strict discipline and solitude.
1568, John together with St. Teresa of Avila opened the first monastery of the newly reformed Discalced Carmelites.
He became master of novices and the spiritual and confessor of the convent. He implemented reforms, including his belief that the order should return to its life of prayer. His reforms did not sit well with many Carmelites who accused him of rebellion.
He was put in prison and beaten three times a week by the monks. The cell was six feet by ten feet with only one tiny window up near the ceiling. While suffering in prison, he found happiness in God and in prayer. He started writing mystical poetry which he brought with him when he escaped from prison after 9 months.
St. John of the Cross joined his Creator on December 14, 1591, at Ubeda in Andalucia in Spain. He was beatified by Pope Clement X on January 25, 1675, and was declared saint by Pope Benedict XIII on December 27, 1726. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI on August 24, 1926.
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233922/st-john-cross
