St. John of Ávila

Their story

John of Ávila was born around 1499 in Almodóvar del Campo, in Spain, to a wealthy family of Jewish descent. He began studying law at the University of Salamanca, but after a deep conversion he left to live a life of prayer and penance, and later studied theology. When his parents died he gave his inheritance to the poor, and he was ordained a priest in 1526. John hoped to go as a missionary to Mexico, but the archbishop of Seville asked him to stay and preach in Andalusia, in southern Spain. For decades he traveled from town to town, preaching with such power and love that he became known as the Apostle of Andalusia. At one point he was falsely accused before the Inquisition and spent about a year in prison. He was cleared, and he later said that his time in prison taught him more about the love of Christ than all his studies. John founded schools and colleges, including a university, and worked to improve the training of priests. He was a wise spiritual guide to many people who became saints. His preaching led to the conversion of St. John of God, and he advised St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Francis Borgia and others. His letters and writings are still read today. He died on May 10, 1569. He was canonized in 1970, declared a Doctor of the Church in 2012, and is the patron of Spain's diocesan priests.