Saint of the Day, March 30
St. John Climacus is known as “John of the Ladder” due to his authorship of the text “The Ladder of Paradise,” a manual on the religious life that is still studied to this day.
March 30 - St. John Climacus
Born: 525
Died: 605
Nationality: Palestinian
Vocation: Abbot
Attributes: Abbot’s garb, book, scroll
Canonization: pre-congregation
St. John Climacus was born in Palestine in 525. He was a gifted scholar in the arts and sciences from a young age and well respected among his peers. When he was only 16 years old, John joined a community of hermits on Mount Sinai.
For over 40 years, John lived a life of prayer, penance and contemplation. Though he lived in solitude, he was sought out by many for spiritual direction and is said to have had a gift for healing troubled souls.
Despite his wisdom, John sought to remain hidden in simplicity and humility. He was eventually encouraged to share his spiritual insight in writing and produced the great spiritual classic, “Ladder of Divine Ascent,” or “the Climax.” This work earned him the title “Climacus” (Latin – climax, ladder), and the book details the 30 degrees of perfection and spiritual warfare.
When he was 70 years old, John was appointed Abbot of a nearby monastery. He was so well known for his wisdom that Pope St. Gregory the Great wrote to him with prayer requests and sent resources to the monastery. John served as Abbot until his death in 605.
