St. John of Ávila is celebrated for his profound impact as a preacher and spiritual master, guiding many towards holiness. Known as the Apostle of Andalusia, he was recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his teachings and influence on the faith.
The Apostle of Andalusia and the spiritual advisor of St. Teresa, St. Francis Borgia, St. John of the Cross, St. Peter of Alcantara, and others.
He was born on January 6, 1499, at Almodovar del Campo, Spain. After studying law at the University of Salamanca, he left the university to be a hermit. He then went to Alcala, where he was ordained.
St. John drew great crowds with his fiery denunciations of evil and his many sermons. A brief imprisonment by the Inquisition in Sevillemade him even more popular. His missionary efforts were centered on Andalusia, and his letters and other writings have become Spanish classics.
Saint John of Avila knew that the lives of Christians can contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ—for example thinking racism is OK—implicitly encouraging Christians to live their faith-halfheartedly, and causing obstacles to non-Christians who might accept Baptism. In 16th-century Spain, those who advocated reforming the Church were often suspected of heresy. Saint John of Avila held his ground and was eventually recognized as a very reliable teacher of the Christian faith.
St. John was canonized in 1970.