Who is Proficients from Dark Night of the Soul and what is their importance?

These proficients are Christians who have successfully passed through the dark night of the soul but have not yet passed through the dark night of the spirit. Believers may remain in the proficient stage for days, months or even years before they enter the second phase of their union with God. In fact, St. John indicates some believers may remain proficients all their lives as there are few people who God chooses to experience the dark night of the spirit.