John of the Cross
1542 – 1591 · Fontiveros — Ávila — Úbeda (Spain)
Carmelite friar, poet, Doctor of the Church
Awaiting theological review
In one sentence
A Carmelite friar and poet who wrote of the dark night through which the soul reaches union with God.
Why this person matters
His poems are summits of Spanish literature and of Christian mysticism.
Historical context
He joined Teresa of Ávila's reform.
Historical context
Imprisoned by his own brothers in Toledo in 1577–1578, he composed much of the Spiritual Canticle in his cell.
Why they still matter
Interpretation
Patron of Spanish poets.
Before
- Francis Xavier1506 – 1552
Contemporary
- Teresa of Ávila1515 – 1582
After
- —
- The Dark Night
- The Ascent of Mount Carmel
- The Spiritual Canticle
- The Living Flame of Love
- Historical context
Statements are labelled by source. Early Christian sources are named where known; dates before the 4th century are often approximate.