Saint John of the Cross was born at Fontiveros in Spain about 1542. He entered the Carmelites and with the permission of his superiors began to live a stricter life. Later he was persuaded by St Teresa to begin, together with some others, a reform within the Carmelite friars which cost him much hard work and many trials. He died in Ubeda in 1591, outstanding in holiness and wisdom, to which his many spiritual writings give eloquent witness. His writings were first published in 1618. After his death the reform he introduced within the friars eventually separated from the Carmelite Order to become the Order of Discalced Carmelite Friars. John was canonised in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926.

“In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human successes, but on how well we have loved.”

“In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human successes, but on how well we have loved.”

“Happiness is not a destination, it's a method of travel.”

“There is nothing better or more necessary than love.”

“Love is the measure by which we shall be judged.”