John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor

Juan’s father died when Juan was two. At nine, the family moved, and Juan worked at a hospital and began his studies at a Jesuit school. He earned a position as nurse, was very compassionate to the critically ill and lonely, while still a serious student. After graduation he joined the Carmelite order and traveled around Spain founding monasteries and establishing rules. He became a Discalced (barefoot) Carmelite and came to be known as John of the Cross, Juan de la Cruz. He was imprisoned for refusing to return to his original posting, and beaten weekly. This inspired some of his poetry. He is the patron saint of contemplatives, mystics and mystical theology, as well as Spanish poets.