A portrait of St. John of Avila
St. John of Avila
6 January 1499 – 10 May 1569
Feast
May 10 · XVI c.
Patron of
Spanish clergy · Preachers · Spiritual directors
Order
Priest / Doctor of the Church
Spanish secular priest (1499-1569), "Apostle of Andalusia"; preacher, spiritual director of Sts. Teresa of Avila, John of God, Francis Borgia, and Peter of Alcántara, and reformer who anticipated many Tridentine themes. Author of "Audi, filia." Doctor of the Church (2012) by Benedict XVI.
Life & Times
Born: 6 January 1499 · Died: 10 May 1569 · From: Spain.
Patronage
St. John of Avila is invoked as the patron of spanish clergy, preachers, spiritual directors. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“One 'Blessed be God' in adversity is worth more than a thousand thanksgivings in prosperity.”— Audi Filia (Hear, O Daughter), Chapter 70 (1556)
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Devotional items honoring St. John of Avila, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. John of Avila, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.