Today we learn about St. John of the Cross, one of the greatest mystics and Doctors of the Catholic Church. Through his life of suffering, prayer, and deep trust in God, he taught the Church how faith grows in the darkness and how God draws souls closer through purification and love. His teachings speak powerfully during Advent, a season of waiting, trust, and hope.

In this episode, Saul shares 7 cool facts about St. John of the Cross. You will learn about his work alongside St. Teresa of Ávila to reform the Carmelite Order, his unjust imprisonment by fellow religious, and how some of his most famous spiritual writings were born in complete darkness. We also explore what the “dark night of the soul” truly means, why detachment leads to freedom, and how his teachings earned him the title Doctor of the Church.

St. John of the Cross reminds us that when God seems silent, He is often working most deeply within us. The darkness is not abandonment, but preparation for greater union with Christ.

💬 Thought to Remember

“In the dark night of the soul, God is closer than ever.”

✝️ Reflection Verse

“We walk by faith, not by sight.”

2 Corinthians 5:7

🙏 Prayer to St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross,

faithful teacher of souls,

help us trust God in times of darkness and uncertainty.

Teach us to surrender our fears, detach from what holds us back,

and walk by faith toward deeper union with Christ.

St. John of the Cross, pray for us.

Amen.

📅 Follow Saints in a Year daily as we walk through the liturgical year and learn from the saints who guide us to Christ.

📺 Subscribe to join the journey: @TravelingtoDamascus

📖 #TheRoadToDamascus #SaintsInAYear #StJohnoftheCross #DoctorOfTheChurch #Advent #CatholicSaints #Mysticism