The Spanish Bishop's Conference has published a message for the 5th centenary of Saint John of Avila's birth. "Saint John of Avila, Master of Evangelizers", seeks to promote the knowledge and devotion to the saint, a new edition of his works, and the celebration of a Symposium have been announced, among other activities to celebrate the anniversary.

"His strong personality," states the document, "his deep love to Christ, his passion for the Church, his ardor and apostolic generosity are permanent stimuli to live in fidelity to the vocation God calls each of us to live, and to become His witness at the beginning of this new millennium." The Spanish pastors concluded with vows to make "the Saint Master of Avila" become for all the people of God -lay and consecrated persons, and priests- a 'master of evangelizers', as he was during his lifetime."