St. John of Avila was born on January 6, 1499, in Castile, Spain. At fourteen, he began studying law at the University of Salamanca, later moving to Alcala to study philosophy and theology before becoming a diocesan priest. After his parents passed away, he sold the family property and donated the proceeds to the poor. In 1526, he intended to be a missionary in Mexico, but the archbishop of Seville convinced him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia.
As a priest, John gained a reputation as a compelling preacher, spiritual director, and wise confessor, earning the nickname "the apostle of Andalusia." His preaching about the dangers of wealth and his radical lifestyle led to animosity among local clergy, resulting in his arrest by the Inquisition. He was accused of claiming "the doors of Heaven are closed to the rich," yet he used his year in prison for prayer, study, and writing, completing a translation of 'Imitation of Christ' and much of his influential work, 'Listen, O Daughter.' He was released in 1533 after being found not guilty.
John was friends with notable saints like Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, and Teresa of Avila and actively supported the Society of Jesus. Although there were discussions about him joining the Jesuits, his declining health led him to spend his final years in semi-retirement in Montilla, where he died on May 10, 1569. John was canonized on May 31, 1970, by Pope Paul VI. His teachings on simplicity, poverty, and the call to holiness, along with his reform efforts and devotion to the Mass, inspired the Church, leading to his declaration as a Doctor of the Church in 2012.
St. John of Avila, obtain for us the grace to open our hearts to the voice of God and allow His Word to renew our minds and transform our lives.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Pelayan Atasan Tertinggi / Most High Servant,
Yesus, Maria, Yusuf Pelayanan Kasih / Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
My vocation is Blessed and Saints.
"I am the most humble of all the Saints in Heaven" Mary, Mother of God."
"I am the handmaid of the Lord, said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me."
Mother Mary is the most humble Saint in Heaven and she is also the Mother of God for us all
(Luke 1:38)
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