The life of St. John of God (1495-1550) shows how the influence of one person can change the attitude and purpose of another human being. Of Portuguese descent and an orphan at eight years of age, St. John of God was first a shepherd, a soldier and then a book dealer. But it was the influence of St. John of Avila which gave direction to the life of St. John of God, who then devoted his life to helping the sick and the poor.
At age 40, St. John of God had a major spiritual conversion which was preceded by a vision granted to him of the Infant Jesus. Christ bestowed on him the name by which he was later known, John of God, and also encouraged him to go to Granada, Spain. It was there that St. John of God listened to a sermon by St. John of Avila on St. Sebastian’s feast day, which caused him to repent of his sins. Although St. John of God suffered a mental breakdown thinking too much about his past licentious behavior, he was able to recover and find peace after talking with St. John of Avila, who asked him to change his focus from himself instead to improving the life of the poor.
A servant of the poor
With St. John of Avila as his spiritual mentor, St. John of God went forth to help the poor, the sick and the homeless. He traveled the streets of Granada picking up people and looking for accommodations for them. Gradually, he drew a dedicated circle of followers who, acknowledging his genuineness, helped him find a larger place for his ministry. Over time, this first location became a place of refuge for the poor, sick and abandoned to live and receive care. It is believed that this was the beginning of his ministry as St. John of God. He frequently repeated to his followers, “Labor without intermission to do all the good works in your power, whilst time is allowed you.”
Today his followers are known as the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God. The Hospitaller Brothers continue his mission of caring for the poor and sick in 53 countries around the world. The order has also been given the honor of providing medical and dental care for the pope. Despite countless difficulties in his own life and in starting his ministry, St. John of God has left us an abundant legacy of showing love and compassion to the less fortunate.
Prayer inspired by St. John of God:
Dear Lord, may I not miss one opportunity to positively influence the life of another person to repent and follow you. May I show others your goodness and kindness so that they will show this same love to others throughout the world especially to the marginalized.
