The story of St. John of the Cross for beginners is often told through his journey of profound spiritual transformation, primarily captured in the book by William Meninger . This narrative follows a 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet who, alongside St. Teresa of Avila, sought to reform the Carmelite Order, leading to his dramatic imprisonment in a tiny, dark cell. It was in this literal darkness that he composed his most famous works, which serve as a "how-to" guide for anyone looking to deepen their inner spiritual life. St. John of the Cross - FaithND - University of Notre Dame