St John of the Cross was a 16th Century Spanish Carmelite. He is the Patron Saint of contemplatives, mystics and Spanish poets. He is said to have had visions of Christ in Avila, and drew Jesus looking down on him from above. St John was a key figure in the 16th century reform if the Carmelites amid a rift between the traditionalists and Discalced (liberal). St John was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church for his spiritual teachings, one of 36 saints recognised as Teachers who have made significant contribution to doctrine through their writing or study.