John of Ãvila
Juan de Ávila (English: John of Avila) ( born 6 January 1499 or 1500 in Almodóvar del Campo, † May 10 1569 in Montilla ) was a preacher and author of several works in which he is about the worship of the Sacrament, educational issues and dealt with celibacy. He was beatified in 1894 and canonized on May 31, 1970, on October 7, 2012, he was elevated to the Church. He is nicknamed Apostle of Andalusia.
Journey
John of Avila was born the son of a wealthy Jewish converts Alonso de Ávila and the Catalina Xixón 1499 or 1500. He first studied law and later at the University of Alcalá philosophy. He earned the Bachelor and studied until 1526 or 1527 theology. His legacy he distributed at his parents' death to the poor. This was well before the 1527th
He taught for a time as a professor at the university. As a missionary, he was about to leave for the New World, but this was probably denied because of the Jewish origins of his father to him. Alonso Manrique, Archbishop of Seville and inquisitor general, became aware of him and made him preacher and missionary in folk Andalucia.
In his sermons, he also spoke about abuses in the church, giving him 1531 an indictment brought by the Inquisition. 1533 he was acquitted. His written during his imprisonment, changed in 1556 and published without his consent font Audi, Filia ( Hear, O daughter) brought him a new trouble. The font, which is considered his major work today, standing on the Index of Forbidden Books to 1574. He worked in this document with questions of Christian perfection.
After 1533 he continued his work in Andalusia. He founded 15 colleges. Eleven of these have obtained the rank of high schools and at least three from developed universities. As the most important foundation of the John of Avila applies the University of Baeza. His work in Andalusia earned him the nickname Apostle of Andalusia.
Together with Archbishop Gasparo Avalos from 1537 he was involved in the organization, which was founded a few years previously at the University of Granada. This work earned him the title Maestro and he was allowed to call from there Maestro Avila. His poor health prevented in 1551 to participate in the Council of Trent. He wrote for the Council Scripture memoriales al concilio de Trento and was also keen to take through writing Advertencias para el sínodo de Toledo influence on the course of Toleder Synod 1565. Again, it was not possible due to illness to participate.
John of Avila was in frequent correspondence with prominent personalities of his time. So he used the epistolary exchange with Teresa of Avila, John of God, Francisco de Borja or with Ignatius of Loyola, whom he had known since 1554. From his correspondence, some 250 letters have survived.
Causes of Saints
John of Avila was founded in 1894 by Pope Leo XIII. beatified. The canonization followed on 31 May 1970. His feast is on May 10. On July 2, 1946, Pope Pius XII declared. the " saint of the secular clergy of Spain ". On Sunday, October 7, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI. St. John of Avila Doctor of the Church raised.