As a child he suffered many hardships, because his family was very poor. He was working as a servant in the home of the director of the hospital while he studied at the Jesuit College. When he was 21 years old, he entered the Carmelite monastery. With Theresa of Avila, he learned the reformation of the Order, which had become relaxed with many of its customs. He had to suffer much incomprehension and persecutions, even from his own frails and even spent time in jail. 

He wrote many precious mystic writings and is considered one of the greatest Spanish poets.

What are you called to do today? In what ways do you feel the presence of God close to you in your most difficult moments?