Saint John of the Cross

Saint John of the Cross was a Spanish Discalced Carmelite, mystic, poet, reformer, and Doctor of the Church. Working with Teresa of Ávila, he promoted a stricter and more contemplative Carmelite life. After imprisonment by opponents of the reform, he wrote poetry that later anchored major prose commentaries, including The Ascent of Mount Carmel, Dark Night, and Living Flame of Love. His teaching concerns purification, detachment, faith, and transforming union with God.