16th century
Feast: May 9
Spanish priest and mystic known as the Apostle of Andalusia for his powerful preaching.
John of Avila was a Spanish priest and mystic (1499-1569). After losing his inheritance to the poor, he was ordained and became famous for his preaching throughout Andalusia. He founded the University of Baeza and wrote spiritual classics. He influenced Saints Teresa of Avila and John of God. Canonized in 2012.