John of Ávila facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint John of Ávila
A portrait by El Greco (1580)
Priest, Doctor of the Church and Apostle of Andalusia
Born	6 January 1499 Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain
Died	10 May 1569(1569-05-10) (aged 70) Montilla, Córdoba, Spain
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	12 November 1893 by Pope Leo XIII
Canonized	31 May 1970 by Pope Paul VI
Major shrine	Church of the Incarnation Montilla, Córdoba, Spain
Feast	10 May
Patronage	Andalusia, Spain Spanish secular clergy
Influenced	St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of God, St. Francis Borgia and Ven. Louis of Granada.

Saint John of Ávila (born Juan de Ávila) was a Spanish priest, preacher, and writer who lived from 1499 to 1569. The Catholic Church declared him a saint and a Doctor of the Church. He is often called the "Apostle of Andalusia" because of his important work spreading faith in that part of Spain.

Life Story

Early Years and Education

John of Ávila was born on January 6, 1499, in Almodóvar del Campo, a town in Spain. His parents, Alfonso de Ávila and Catalina Xixón, were a wealthy and religious couple.

When he was 14, in 1513, John went to the University of Salamanca to study law. However, he left in 1517 without finishing his degree. He returned home and spent three years living a very religious life.

A Franciscan friar was impressed by John's devotion. He advised John to continue his studies. So, John went to the University of Alcalá de Henares to study philosophy and theology. There, he learned from a famous teacher named Domingo de Soto.

Becoming a Priest

While John was still a student, both his parents passed away. After he became a priest in 1526, he held his first Mass in the church where they were buried. He then sold all his family's property and gave the money to people in need.

John felt called to be a missionary in other countries, specifically Mexico. He traveled to Seville in 1527, waiting for a ship to the Americas. While in Seville, his deep faith and excellent preaching skills caught the attention of the Archbishop of Seville, Alonso Manrique de Lara. The archbishop convinced John to stay in Spain. He believed John could help strengthen faith in the region of Andalusia.

John lived in Seville with other priests and students. In 1527, he started writing a book called Audi, filia (which means Listen, Daughter). He continued to work on this book throughout his life.

Spreading the Faith in Andalusia

John's first sermon was on July 22, 1529, and it made him famous right away. For nine years, he traveled and preached in Andalusia. Churches were always full when he spoke.

However, John spoke strongly about the need for reform in the church. He also criticized the behavior of some rich people. Because of this, he was reported to the Inquisition in Seville in 1531. He was put in prison in 1532. People accused him of saying that wealth was too dangerous and that rich people could not go to heaven. But in July 1533, he was found innocent and released.

Around 1534 or 1535, John moved to the Diocese of Córdoba. This city became his home base. From there, he guided his students and traveled around Andalusia. He preached and helped set up schools and colleges in nearby cities like Granada and Baeza. It is believed that he earned the title of Master of Sacred Theology around 1538.

One very important school he helped establish was the University of Baeza in 1538. John was its first leader, and this university became a model for other seminaries and schools, including those of the Jesuits.

John lived in Granada from 1538 to 1539, where he started to form a community of followers. Later, from 1546 to 1555, he lived in Córdoba with about 20 students. He thought about starting a formal group of priests. However, the Jesuits were growing very quickly at this time. From 1551, when John's health began to fail, he encouraged his students to join the Jesuits if they wished. About 30 of them did.

Later Life and Death

From 1551 onwards, John of Ávila was often sick. He spent his last years in semi-retirement in Montilla. He passed away there on May 10, 1569. As he wished, he was buried in Montilla, in the Jesuit Church of the Incarnation. This church is now a special place to remember him.

Writings

John of Ávila wrote many important works. These include:

• Two versions of his book Audi, filia (Listen, Daughter).
• Many sermons and spiritual talks.
• Some notes on the Bible.
• Over 250 letters to different people, including important church leaders like Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, and Teresa of Ávila.

His writings helped guide many people in their faith.

His Impact

John of Ávila was known for his holy life. He worked hard to improve the clergy (priests and religious leaders), set up schools, and teach ordinary people about their faith. His efforts inspired many later reformers.

He is especially respected by the Jesuits. His friendship and support were very important for their growth in Spain.

There is a church in Alcalá de Henares named after him: St. John of Ávila Parish Church.

Becoming a Saint

John of Ávila was declared "Venerable" by Pope Clement XIII in 1759. He was then "beatified" (a step towards sainthood) by Pope Leo XIII in 1893. Finally, on May 31, 1970, he was made a saint by Pope Paul VI.

On October 7, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named him a Doctor of the Church. This is a special title given to saints who have made important contributions to Catholic theology through their writings and teachings. Pope Benedict XVI made this announcement in St. Peter's Square in front of many people.

Pope Benedict described John of Ávila as someone who deeply understood the Bible and had a strong desire to spread the faith. He said John was a "man of God" who prayed constantly and worked hard to teach others. He focused on training future priests, religious people, and regular church members to help reform the Church.

John of Ávila taught that Christian spiritual life comes from believing in God's love. He emphasized that God's goodness and mercy, shown through Jesus Christ, guide our lives. He was a preacher and a close friend of Ignatius of Loyola. His theology was based on a deep knowledge of the Bible, focusing on Christ and God's grace.

The Catholic Church celebrates his optional memorial day on May 10.

Images for kids

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  The basement of the family home of John of Ávila in Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain

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  A relic of St. John of Ávila preserved in Almodóvar del Campo

See also

In Spanish: Juan de Ávila para niños