St. John of Avila

St. John of Avila was born Jan. 6, 1499, to a wealthy family in Toledo, Spain. Having studied law and theology, he became a lawyer and a priest. The saint gave most of his fortune to the poor after his parents died. A man of faith, he spread the word of God and the influence of the Jesuits in Spain. St. John of Avila was spiritual director to St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis Borgia, St. John of God and St. Louis of Granada. He died May 10, 1758. St. John of Avila is patron saint of Spanish secular clergy.