John of the Cross

John of the Cross (Spanish: San Juan de la Cruz, 1542–1591) was a Spanish Carmelite, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. He was born as Juan de Yepes y Álvarez in Fontiveros, near Ávila. After joining the Carmelite Order, he collaborated with Teresa of Ávila on reforming the order, which led to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites.

His spiritual writings, such as The Dark Night of the Soul, Ascent of Mount Carmel, and The Living Flame of Love, are considered classics of Christian mysticism. In these works, he describes the inner path of purification and union with God, especially through experiences of darkness, desolation, and inner death, which ultimately lead to a deep communion with God.

John of the Cross died in 1591 in Úbeda. He was canonized in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926. Today, he is recognized as one of the most important mystics in the Western spiritual tradition.