August 20, 2011. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI officially declared San Juan de Avila a Doctor of the Church. The title is a recognition the Pope gives to certain saints considered great teachers of faith,  whose teachings are still relevent regardless of time. Currently there are 33.



San Juan de Ávila, was born in the year 1500 in Almodóvar del Campo, near Toledo in Spain. He died in 1569. He's know as the Apostle of Andalusia, because he evangelized there for several years. He was a strong advocate of reforming the clergy and his texts influenced the Council of Trent.

 He was a friend of St. John of the Cross and a spiritual advisor to St. Teresa of Avila. He's also known for being the patron of Spanish clergy.  His feast day is May 10th.

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