San Juan de la Cruz spent the last three years of his life
in Segovia, one of Spain’s most stunning historic cities. There, he purchased
an old monastery from the Trinitarian brothers, and an adjacent plot of land on
the edge of the city, by the river. The mystic and poet had a good eye for real
estate. The location of the new community house has one of the best views of
the old walled city, its castle and cathedral. It is also surrounded by nature,
nested by a cliff, yet within walking distance to the city centre. John of the
Cross, with the other brothers in the community, built the original house,
carving stones from a small quarry on the grounds, and erecting walls for their
new home.
Guy and I have just returned from spending a couple of days
in St. John’s house in Segovia, and sharing with the brothers and sisters in
the community. They have welcomed us with open arms and have proudly shown us
all the secret places that were dear to John. The rock where he used to sit to
teach his novices, the little cave where he used to go by himself to pray in
silence, even the inner wine cellar mentioned in the Spiritual Canticle.
We have also had the chance to discuss with them our future
Los Olivos retreat-pilgrimages there: to bounce ideas, explore themes and activities,
and plan pilgrimage visits to Avila and Segovia. Their warmth and enthusiasm
have been contagious. We cannot wait to go back and walk in the footsteps of the Spanish mystic with Los Olivos groups and fellow pilgrims from 2020.
Daniel walking in the footsteps of St John from the monastery to Segovia cathedral.
Below, pictures of the monastery's cloister and one of the chapels.
