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==Carmelites==

==Carmelites==

John met Teresa of Jesus (Avila) and like her vowed himself to reform and the primitive Rule of the Carmelites. He filled various posts in different places until St. Teresa called him to Avila as director. As the movement spread confusion reigned, do to contradictory orders issued by the the general chapter versus the Apostolic nuncio. St. John was ordered by his provincial to return to Medina. When he refused to do so, members of John's own order kidnapped him. <ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08480a.htm St. John of the Cross] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref> In this time in Spain's history, the Inquisition ruled. He was locked in a cell six feet by ten feet and beaten three times a week by the monks for nine months. His cell was unbearable, dark, cold, and desolate with only a small window near the ceiling as light. All he had left in his life was God and this became his greatest joy where he wrote his mystical poems.

John met Teresa of Jesus (Avila) and like her vowed himself to reform and the primitive Rule of the Carmelites. He filled various posts in different places until St. Teresa called him to Avila as director. As the movement spread confusion reigned, do to contradictory orders issued by the general chapter versus the Apostolic nuncio. St. John was ordered by his provincial to return to Medina. When he refused to do so, members of John's own order kidnapped him. <ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08480a.htm St. John of the Cross] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref> In this time in Spain's history, the Inquisition ruled. He was locked in a cell six feet by ten feet and beaten three times a week by the monks for nine months. His cell was unbearable, dark, cold, and desolate with only a small window near the ceiling as light. All he had left in his life was God and this became his greatest joy where he wrote his mystical poems.

John escaped by unscrewing the lock on his door and creeping past the guard. He climbed out a window using a rope made of strips of blankets. John hid from pursuers in a convent infirmary where he read his poetry to the nuns. From this point on, he devoted his life to sharing and explaining his experience of God's love. "Where there is no love, put love and you will find love."

John escaped by unscrewing the lock on his door and creeping past the guard. He climbed out a window using a rope made of strips of blankets. John hid from pursuers in a convent infirmary where he read his poetry to the nuns. From this point on, he devoted his life to sharing and explaining his experience of God's love. "Where there is no love, put love and you will find love."