Abstract (eng)
Juan de Ávila (1500-1569), almost unknown in German speaking countries, was an eminent preacher, spiritual counsellor and author. Only canonized in 1970 and proclaimed as Teacher of the Church in 2012, he worked in Andalusia and was able to sustainably strengthen church life there. A group of priest friends (escuela sacerdotal) formed around his person in Seville and Córdoba, who recognised him as a role model and were able to work in preaching, liturgy and personal pastoral care. Juan de Avila emphasized Proclamation of the faith, the sacraments and personal prayer as key to following Christ, with morning and evening meditation and the Eucharist profoundly pivotal. This must be the focus of the priestly life, not as a contrast, but precisely in service to the people of God. He wants to enable for every faithful the deep encounter with Christ. Juan de Avila was of Jewish descend; to be a converso in 16th century Spain meant to suffer social consequences. This raises the question, whether his spirituality was shaped and influenced by these circumstances. His works, especially the letters and sermons, and the comparison with other conversos show a deep and unique ascetism and spirituality. Although the escuela sacerdotal ceased after 1569, his sacerdotal spirituality was always remembered and continues to be of great topicality.