At the bottom left of the Rose Window, some confusion reigns: who is
this male saint clutching the cross. It might be St. John of the Cross.
John became a lay Carmelite brother in 1563 at age 21, though he lived
stricter than their Rule. Ordained at age 25, John was persuaded by
Saint Teresa of Avila to begin the Discalced or barefoot reform within
the Carmelite Order. His reforms did not set well with some of his
brothers, and he was ordered to return to Medina. He refused, and was
imprisoned at Toledo, Spain, escaping only after nine
months. His reforms revitalized the Order. John was also a
great contemplative and spiritual writer.
Patron saint of the contemplative life, contemplatives, mystical
theology,
and mystics.
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