John was born at Fontiveros in Spain about 1542. He entered the Carmelites and with the permission of his superiors began to live stricter life. Afterwards he was persuaded by Saint Teresa to begin, together with some others, the Discalced reform within the Order; this cost him much hard work and many trials. He died in Ubeda in 1591, outstanding in holiness and wisdom, to which his many spiritual writings give eloquent witness.
John of the Cross is known for his writings. He was mentored by and corresponded with the older Carmelite, Teresa of Jesus. Both his poetry and his studies on the development of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature and among the greatest works of all Spanish literature. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. In 1926, he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI, and is also known as the “mystical doctor”.
