St. John of the Cross’ beautiful last words before he died

Much of what we know about St. John of the Cross and his inner life comes from his writings, such as The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night, The Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love.

Pope Benedict XVI reflected on St. John of the Cross' remarkable life during a general audience in 2011, commenting on the final day of his life on earth:

What Pope Benedict XVI and St. John of the Cross are referring to is the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office.

In particular, his fellow Carmelite monks were reciting "Matins," which was traditionally recited during the evening hours, anticipating the following day.

The Office of Readings is the closest equivalent in the modern reform of the Liturgy of the Hours.

St. John of the Cross was looking forward to singing the praises of the Psalms in Heaven for all eternity, fulfilling his lifelong desire of total and complete union with God.