Bishop-Elect of East Anglia Peter Collins praises influence of St John of the Cross in his life

Bishop-Elect of East Anglia Canon Peter Collins says the Carmelite mystic St John of the Cross has been his inspiration.

Speaking at the announcement of his appointment in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich this morning, Canon Peter said: “It is with deep humility, and with deep trust in the power of God’s grace that I greet you all on this joyful day.”

“Before you all I entrust myself to the Good Shepherd, our eternal High Priest as I prepare for my episcopal ordination on Wednesday 14th December, the Feast of St John of the Cross, the great Carmelite friar, mystic and poet whose example and wisdom has meant so much to me throughout my life.

“I ask for your prayers in the coming days and I offer the assurance of my prayers for you.”

John of the Cross, OCD (Spanish: Juan de la Cruz; born Juan de Yepes y Álvarez; 24th June 1542 – 14th December 1591), venerated as Saint John of the Cross, was a Spanish Catholic priest, mystic, and a Carmelite friar of converso origin. He is a major figure of the Counter-Reformation in Spain, and he is one of the 37 Doctors of the Church.