May 9th - St. John of Avila By: Tia Sajeev

St. John was born in the Castile region of Spain and was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca to study law. Later he studied philosophy and theology In Alcala before his ordination as a diocesan priest. After John’s parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune, he distributed his money to the poor. John traveled to Seville hoping to become a missionary in Mexico. However, Seville’s archbishop persuaded John to remain administered to the inhabitants of Andalusia. Over the next nine years, John gained the reputation as an engaging preacher a perceptive spiritual leader, and a wise confessor. Because John was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. John worked closely with the society of Jesus helping it to grow both in Spain and in the Spanish colonies. John of Avila died in 1569 was canonized in 1970 and declared a doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Almighty and eternal God, who gave your holy Church blessed John of Avila as Doctor, grant that what he taught when moved by the divine Spirit may always stay firm in our hearts; and, as by your gift we embrace him as our patron, may we also have him as our defender to entreat your mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, forever and ever. Amen.