Saint Who?
Saints Who Taught about Prayer
Saint John of Ávila
Priest and Doctor († 1569) Feast: May 10
Although today he is often overshadowed by his famous contemporaries—Saints Teresa of Ávila, Ignatius of Loyola, and John of God—John of Ávila was widely known during his lifetime as the “Apostle of Andulasia.” His fiery preaching throughout Spain attracted huge crowds and brought many back to the practice of their faith. But his fearlessness in speaking out about the dangers of greed also earned him rich and powerful enemies. John was imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition as a result, although he was quickly able to prove his innocence.
John was more than just a preacher. He lived an ascetic life, was well educated in philosophy and theology, and was greatly devoted to the Mass. Archbishops wrote to him for advice, and although he never became a Jesuit, he encouraged many pious men to join that order.
John wrote biblical commentaries, many sermons, and hundreds of letters. His most famous work, Audi, filia (“Listen, O daughter”), is a spiritual treatise based on Psalm 45. John began writing the discourse to aid a young woman he was directing, but he revised and expanded it repeatedly over two decades. In this treatise, he encourages his readers to set aside worldly pleasures and instead seek above all to love Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
Jesus, our King, give us ears to hear your voice
and help us to follow you wherever you lead.
