Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint John of Avila, Patron Saint of Andalusia, and Spain.

John, a Spanish citizen born in Castile, was admitted to the University of Salamanca at age 14 to pursue a legal education. Later, he relocated to Alcala in preparation for his ordination as a diocesan priest, pursuing studies in philosophy and theology.

John donated his inheritance to those in need when his parents passed away, leaving him the only heir to a sizeable wealth. He set out for Seville in 1527, intending to go to Mexico as a missionary. He was encouraged to remain and propagate the gospel in Andalusia by the archbishop of that town. He spent nine years there and gained a reputation as a captivating preacher, a sage confessor, and a sharp spiritual director.

John faced an inquiry from the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533 because he was not hesitant to speak out against high-ranking vice. Later, he worked in Cordoba before moving to Granada, where he founded the University of Baeza, the first of several colleges administered by diocesan priests who committed themselves to instructing and guiding young people spiritually.

He was close friends with Francis Borgia, Teresa of Avila, Peter of Alcantara, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, and John of the Cross. The Society of Jesus flourished throughout Spain and its colonies thanks to John of Avila’s strong collaboration with its members. John’s writings have appeared in several different languages.

The man was declared a saint in 1970, beatified in 1894, and named a doctor of the faith by the Church on October 7, 2012. May 10 is St. John of Avila’s liturgical holiday.

Source: franciscanmedia.org