Saint John of Avila
Also known as
• Apostle of Andalusia
• Juan de Ávila Jijón
memorial
• 10 May
Profile
Our saint for today was born to a wealthy Castilian family with Jewish ancestry. John studied law at a young age and following the death of his parents, he liquidated most of his large fortune, and gave it to the poor. He felt the call to religious life and was ordained in 1525.
He spent most of his time re-evangelizing a region previously ruled by the Moors (Moops, for those who live in a bubble). He spoke boldly against the sins of the ruling classes, made powerful enemies, and at one point was imprisoned in Seville, Spain, probably because he annoyed the rich and powerful. John was released, and his preaching became more popular than ever.
He is one of the 36 Doctors of the Church. He was elevated to this exclusive club by Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day 2011. Our Saint personally influenced a lot of deep church thinkers like Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Francis Borgia, Saint John of God, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Peter of Alcántara, and Saint Louis of Granada. John of Avila shares a birthday with the Whip.
Born
• 6 January 1499, Spain
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