St John of God’s Day
Born João Duarte Cidade in Portugal in 1495, John was abducted from his parents at age 8 and ended up as a child shepherd in Spain. On reaching adulthood John joined the Spanish army and for 20 years fought in various campaigns against the French and the Turks. In his 40s he left the army and wandered about searching for a purpose in life. He tried giving himself as a martyr in North Africa and selling books in Gibraltar. He began to experience religious visions — in one of these the figure of Jesus called him “John of God” — and then suffered a mental breakdown which necessitated his being locked in a hospital for the insane where he underwent the traditional treatment: flogging and starvation. There was visited by John of Avila, a priest who was himself later canonized, who urged him to turn his suffering into caring for others.
On his release John began a ministry to the poor and the sick, caring for them in his house and begging for food and medicines. He attracted followers who were inspired by his example and, after his death from an illness contracted after rescuing a man from drowning, these disciples were recognized as the order of the Brothers Hospitallers of St John of God. This order continues his work today around the world.
John is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, the dying, heart patients, publishers, printers, nurses, firefighters, alcoholics, and booksellers.
John is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, the dying, heart patients, publishers, printers, nurses, firefighters, alcoholics, and booksellers.
He’s got me covered thrice!
Wonderful painting.