Juan de Ávila

Juan de Ávila was a 16th-century Spanish Catholic priest and theologian, regarded as a key figure in the Catholic Reformation. He emphasized the importance of personal spirituality, sincere faith, and inner conversion, encouraging individuals to develop a close relationship with God through prayer and reflection. His teachings helped inspire the idea of a more personal and direct religious experience, influencing many future priests and religious leaders. Recognized for his deep insight into Christian life, he was later canonized as a saint and declared a Doctor of the Church for his significant contributions to spiritual thought.