Doctor of mystic theology, founder with Saint Teresa of the Discalced Carmelites, born Hontiveros, Spain, 1542; died Andalusia, 1591. He entered the Carmelite Order at Medina, 1563, and was ordained in 1567. Saint Teresa persuaded him to remain in the order and assist her in establishing a monastery of friars, carrying out the primitive rule. He was made first master of novices, and was called to Avila by Saint Teresa to serve as director and confessor in the convent of which she was the superioress. Refusing to obey the order of his provincial to return to Medina, he was imprisoned at Toledo for nine months. After his escape he became vicar-general of Andalusia. He strove for papal recognition of the order, and as a result suffered indignities under his displeased superior. His mystic writings include "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" and "The Dark Night of the Soul." Canonized, 1726. Relics at Segovia. Feast, Roman Calendar, November 24,.