Saint John of Avila

Saint John of Avila, Patron of Spain was many things during his lifetime. He was a mystic, a skilled preacher, and a powerful evangelist. After his earthly pilgrimage, he was made a Doctor of the Church and a Saint.

Saint John of Avila's Early Life

Born in New Castile to very wealthy parents, John headed off to university to study law at just 14 years old. It turned out that becoming a lawyer was his parent's dream, not his. John soon returned home and impressed a Franciscan so much that he was encouraged to study theology and philosophy instead. John's parents died while he was away, and their vast fortune was now his. He was ordained shortly after and he donated his inheritance to the poor.

An Amazing Preacher

John became a missionary in the Spanish province of Andalusia and soon people of all ages and social classes came to hear the powerful words that he spoke. He helped countless souls do penance and turn their lives towards God. John was once asked by a young priest how he could become a good preacher. John's answer was simple: love God very much.

Reflection

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. - Franciscan Media