Today, January 19, 2024, marks the 9th anniversary of the fusion of The Little Brothers of Good Shepherd with the Hospitaller Order of St John of God in 2015. It also marks the anniversary of the original founding of the congregation of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd by Br. Mathias Barrett (March 15, 1900- August 12, 1990).
John Ciudad, later named John of God, the founder of the Hospitaller Order, was born on March 8, 1495, and died on March 8, 1550. John Ciudad, who founded the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, started it on the streets of Granada, Spain, and it is now actively functioning in 49 countries and 5 continents worldwide. The Order provides support and services to the poor, the sick and the needy in society. Worldwide, more than 40,000 Co-workers collaborate with the Brothers to continue his mission to provide compassionate care and hospitality to the most vulnerable in our communities.
Good Shepherd Ministries in Toronto is part of this global community and continues St. John of God’s remarkable journey with uninterrupted service to the most neglected in our society.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we thank the founders, the Brothers who followed them, and our coworkers who continue to pursue and fulfill their dream and further their mission. Let us renew our commitment to our founders’ Mission, Vision, and Values. As John of God would say, “Do good to yourself by doing good for others. “.
Best regards,
AKLILU WENDAFEREW, MSW, RSW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
