Posted on 05/05/2011 12:59:23 PM PDT by marshmallow
Pope Benedict may soon name St. John of Avila (1499-1569), as the 34th Doctor of the Church, according to the I-Media news agency. Known as the Apostle of Andalusia, the saint helped develop the theology of the priesthood and is the patron saint of the Spanish secular clergy.
“At a historical moment full of controversies and profound changes, John of Avila was able to face the great challenges of his era with fortitude, in a way known only to men of God: by relying unconditionally on Christ, full of love for his brethren and impatient to bring them the light of the Gospel,” Blessed John Paul II wrote in 2000. “This was the mystery of his extensive apostolic work, his vast literary output and his creativity in the task of evangelizing all areas of society.”
Vatican considers naming St. Juan of Avila “Doctor of the Church” (Rome Reports)
Blessed John Paul: Message on the 500th anniversary of St. John of Avila’s birth (Holy See)
Saint John of Avila and the Reform of the Priesthood (Catholic Culture)
Always liked John.
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his extraordinary devotion in celebrating Mass attracted the attention of Hernando de Contreras, a priest of Seville, who reported his observations to the archbishop and general inquisitor, Don Alphonso Manrique. The archbishop saw in the young missionary a powerful instrument to stir up the faith of Andalusia [...]His first sermon was preached on 22 July, 1529, and immediately his reputation was established; crowds thronged the churches at all his sermons. His success, however, brought with it the hatred of a certain class, and while living at Seville he was brought before the inquisitor and charged with exaggerating the dangers of wealth and closing the gates of heaven to the rich. His innocence of the charges was speedily proved, and by special invitation of the court he was appointed to preach the sermon on the next great feast in the church of San Salvador, in Seville. His appearance was a cause of public rejoicing.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08469a.htm
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