Today also marks the Feast Day of San Juan de Avila, 1499 - 1569; author of
several works, including "Audi, filia"(title from the opening verse of
Psalms 44); and founder of some 13 colleges; and, perhaps more importantly,
of a "school of San Juan de Avila", among priests of a Reform movement,
influencing both the Jesuits and Carmelites of 16th cenutry Spain.
San Juan de Avila was a contemporary of a number of other important saints,
and served as spititual advisor to several of them; approximately 250
letters preserve his correspondence with Santa Teresa de Avila, St. Ignatius
of Loyola, San Juan de Dios, John of the Cross, and St. Francis Borgia,
among others.
He was detained by the Inquistion for a period of more than one year, while
controversies regarding aspects of his teachings were investigated; these
apparently included an unpleasant questioning of the likelihood of finding
any rich people in heaven. He was ultimately released by the Inquisition,
and found that his popularity had magnified. The time detained had been
well spent, in the contemplation of his major work, "Audi, filia," which
over the years, as handwritten copies were circulated (including
added/altered sections), came to the attention of the Index of Prohibited
Works. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, so to speak. But it may be
seen as a purification by fire, for San Juan continued to 'perfect' "Audi,
filia", until the final edition, published in 1579 (after his death). These
various editions thus reveal the unfolding maturity of his spiritual vision.
A favorite vivid phrase of San Juan's translates, "Rather would I live
without skin, than without devotion to the Virgin Mary."
He had wanted, at one time, to come to the New World and preach; but his
friend, the Archbishop of Granada, persuaded him to stay and help
'reconquer' Andalucia. Spain's gain was Mexico's loss, for thus he fails to
appear in the "Menologio Franciscano", a lamentable omission.
Perhaps more learned Listmembers may have additional information they care
to add. Dr. Fernando Gil?
jmichael
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