St. John of God
Feast Day: March 8
“Labor without stopping; do all the good works you can while you still have the time.” – St. John of God
St. John of God, founder and servant of the sick, is honored for his radical charity, deep compassion for the poor, and dedication to caring for the ill and abandoned. His feast day, celebrated on March 8, commemorates his life of mercy, humility, and service.
A Life of Wandering and Conversion
John was born in 1495 in Portugal. As a young man, he lived a restless life—working as a shepherd, serving as a soldier, and wandering throughout Europe. For years, he struggled with a lack of purpose and direction.
At the age of 40, John underwent a profound conversion after hearing a sermon by St. John of Avila. Deeply convicted of his sins and wasted years, John publicly repented, falling to his knees in the middle of the congregation and crying out for God’s mercy.
A Heart for the Sick and Abandoned
Moved by grace, John dedicated the rest of his life to serving the sick, the poor, and the homeless. He rented a house in Granada, Spain, where he began caring for the destitute, bringing in the sick from the streets, bathing their wounds, feeding them, and comforting them.
His charity was radical—he begged for supplies, carried the weak on his back, and gave everything he had to care for those in need.
Founder of the Brothers Hospitallers
Others were inspired by his example and joined him in his mission. This led to the founding of the Order of the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God, a religious community dedicated to hospital work and the care of the sick, which continues his legacy of compassion to this day in hospitals and medical centers worldwide.
John emphasized not only the physical care of the sick but also their spiritual and emotional comfort, treating each person with dignity as a beloved child of God.
A Death in Service and a Legacy of Love
John died in 1550, at the age of 55, after collapsing from exhaustion while saving a drowning man from a flood. He gave his life fully in service to others, embodying the Gospel’s call to love the least and the suffering.
He was canonized in 1690 and is one of the great saints of charity.
Patron of Hospitals, the Sick, Nurses, and Caregivers
St. John of God is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, and those who work in healthcare, a powerful intercessor for all who care for the suffering.
A Witness to Charity in Action
St. John of God’s life reminds the faithful that holiness is found in radical love and selfless service, especially to those society often overlooks. His example continues to inspire healthcare workers, caregivers, and all who are called to be instruments of God’s mercy.
St. John of God, pray for us!