The Dark Night of the Soul (ePub)

St. John of the Cross, born Juan de Yepes Álvarez in 1542 in Fontiveros, Spain, is renowned as a mystic, poet, and a major figure of the Spanish Golden Age. He joined the Carmelite Order in his early years, adopting the name 'John of St. Matthias' before later changing to 'John of the Cross.' He became a close collaborator of St. Teresa of Ávila in the reform of the Carmelite Order, and his writings are considered as some of the pinnacles of Spanish mysticism and poetry. His most significant work, 'The Dark Night of the Soul' (La Noche Oscura del Alma), articulates the soul's journey towards union with God through purgation and illumination, a journey characterized by spiritual loneliness and trials, which he metaphorically describes as a 'dark night.' John's contribution to mystical theology and his literary prowess have earned him recognition as a Doctor of the Church. His poetry and prose fuse rich symbolism with profound existential and spiritual insights, reflecting his own experiences and serving as a guide for others in their spiritual quests. St. John of the Cross passed away on December 14, 1591, and was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. His legacy endures not just in religious circles, but also in the broader field of literature and psychology, influencing countless individuals seeking deeper understanding of the mystical path and the nature of spiritual transformation.