Saint John of God, born in 1495, underwent a profound spiritual transformation at the age of 40. After years of military service and a departure from his Christian faith, he experienced a profound awakening to the depth of his past misdeeds. This realization propelled him to dedicate the remainder of his life to serving God, initially leading him to Africa with the aim of liberating captive Christians and possibly achieving martyrdom.
However, he was soon counseled that his quest for martyrdom was not founded on genuine spiritual insight, prompting his return to Spain where he began a modest venture running a religious goods store. Yet, his soul remained restless. Influenced by a sermon from the Blessed John of Avila, John of God exhibited a dramatic public display of self-flagellation, pleading for mercy and expressing deep repentance for his life’s actions. This act led to his confinement in a mental institution, where he was visited by the Blessed John of Avila, who advised him to channel his energies into serving others rather than focusing on self-imposed suffering. Heeding this counsel brought John peace, and he soon left the hospital to dedicate himself to assisting the poor.
John established a haven for the impoverished sick, initially sustaining his mission through personal begging. His dedication and the visible impact of his work soon attracted support from the community, including notable figures like the archbishop and the marquis of Tarifa. John’s service was deeply intertwined with a rich inner life of prayer and humility, traits that endeared him to many and eventually led to the formation of the Brothers Hospitallers, a global religious order, by his followers 20 years after his death.
The order’s commitment to caring for the sick was so esteemed that it was charged with the medical care of the Popes, a lasting tribute to John’s legacy. Despite health challenges in his final decade of ministry, John discreetly managed his condition while ensuring the continuity of his work by organizing the hospital’s administration and designating a successor.
Saint John of God passed away on his 55th birthday, March 8, 1550. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII on October 16, 1690, and is venerated as the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, alcoholics, and booksellers, with his feast day celebrated on March 8.
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