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It is difficult to adequately summarize a spiritual giant such as St. John of the Cross. His spirituality is legendary and has led countless souls closer in union with God.
One simple way that the Church has used over the centuries to describe a saint is through litanies. They are poetic and prayerful ways to summarize the saint’s contributions in short titles.
For St. John of the Cross, there exists a beautiful litany that gives a wonderful sketch of the Doctor of the Church and highlights his most admirable qualities. Below is a portion of this ancient litany that helps to pinpoint the characteristics of St. John of the Cross that we should all strive to imitate.
Saint John of the Cross, pray for us. St. John, our glorious father, pray for us. Beloved child of Mary, the Queen of Carmel, pray for us. Fragrant flower of the garden of Carmel, pray for us. Admirable possessor of the spirit of Elias, pray for us. Foundation stone of the Carmelite reform, pray for us. Spiritual son, and beloved father of St. Teresa, pray for us. Most vigilant in the practice of virtue, pray for us. Treasure of charity, pray for us. Abyss of humility, pray for us. Most perfect in obedience, pray for us. Invincible in patience, pray for us. Constant lover of poverty, pray for us. Dove of simplicity, pray for us. Thirsting for mortification, pray for us. Prodigy of holiness, pray for us. Mystical Doctor, pray for us. Model of contemplation, pray for us. Zealous preacher of the Word of God, pray for us. Worker of miracles, pray for us. Bringing joy and peace to souls, pray for us. Terror of devils, pray for us. Model of penance, pray for us. Faithful guardian of Christ’s vineyard, pray for us. Ornament and glory of Carmel, pray for us.
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And today we celebrate...