St. John of Ávila: "Humility and the Visitation"
Introduction St. Juan (John) was born in Almodóvar del Campo in Spain; in 1513, he went to study at the University of Salamanca, but he left in 1517, before obtaining a degree. Back home, he lived an austere pious life, which attracted the attention of a passing Franciscan friar, who recommended he resume his studies. Juan finally obtained a degree at the University of Alcalá de Henares, studying philosophy and theology. In spring 1526, he was ordained and celebrated his first Mass in the church where his parents (who had died during his studies) were buried; he then sold his famiy estate, gave the proceeds to the poor, and decided to become a missionary to Mexico. While in Seville, preparing for his journey, his fervor and learning became known to a local priest; being informed by the priest, the archbishop convinced Juan to stay in Andalusia. His preaching was well-loved, but it was strong against the aristocracy; his critiques of wealth were so strong that he was...