John de Yepes was born in Fontiveros, in Spain, in about 1542, and became Carmelite friar in 1563, some time before he met St Teresa of Avila. Soon after, she persuaded him to help her in her persuit to reform the Carmelite order. This was a difficult and a dangerous task, which culminated in his imprisonment and punishments at the hands of the Church authoritiess. By the time he died he was recognised of his sanctity. He is renowned for his mystical works and is considered one of the great Spanish poets. he was canonised in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926.
Oh, how sweet Your presence will be to me, You Who are the supreme good! I must draw near You in silence and uncover my feet before You that You may be pleased to unite me to You in marriage (Ruth 3:7), and I will not rest until I rejoice in Your arms. Now I ask You, Lord, not to abandon me at any time in my recollection, for I am a squandered of my soul. (Maxims and Counsels, 45).
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