Since 1963, Good Shepherd has been a beacon of support, offering a haven to homeless and vulnerable people. Each year, as we approach St. John of God’s Feast Day, we are reminded of the transformative power of hospitality and the hope it brings to those in need.
Who was St. John of God?
Born in Spain on March 8th, 1495, as João Duarte Cuidad, St. John of God experienced a major religious conversion while listening to a sermon by John of Ávilaas.
Around this time (1537), he made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Extremadura, where he had a vision of Mary, who encouraged him to work with the poor. Cuidad started caring for the neediest people in the city. He gathered considerable support from a dedicated group of followers. He organized his followers into the Order of Hospitallers, who were approved by the Holy See in 1572 as the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God.
John died on March 8, 1550, on his 55th birthday. Canonized by Pope Alexander VIII in 1690, he was named the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, alcoholics, and booksellers. A Basilica was constructed in 1757 in Granada to house his grave and is protected by the Knights of St. John of God. His order today has a presence in 53 countries on 5 continents. The Family of St. John of God, as the Order is referred to today, is made up of more than 45,000 members, Brothers, and co-workers. It is supported by tens of thousands of benefactors and friends.
What is Hospitality Week?
Hospitality Week highlights the charism (spiritual gifts) of St. John of God. During the week, the co-workers, guests, and volunteers of Good Shepherd reflect on the heart of Good Shepherd – hospitality. At Good Shepherd, we strive to welcome everyone with love, to walk in the shoes of St. John of God, to represent his work, and to do so while acknowledging the whole person and how we can help one another.
How is Hospitality Week celebrated at Good Shepherd Ministries?
Hospitality Week runs from March 4-8 and is an important celebratory event for coworkers, guests, and volunteers. During this week-long celebration we pause to reorient ourselves with our Mission, recognize St. John of God’s good works and the people that we support, and honour our coworkers.
Curious to know what events take place?
Day 1 Revisiting our Purpose: presentation of our Mission, Vision and Values, as well as an overview of the homeless situation in the community that we serve, and a moment of silence to honour the homeless community members who lost their lives over the past year.
Day 2 Culturalicious: potluck lunch provided by our coworkers to reflect the diversity of our team.
Day 3 Client Showcase: highlighting client and resident experiences with testimonials.
Day 4 Honouring our Coworkers: service recognition day.
Day 5 St. John of God Feast Day: celebrated on March 8th with a closing ceremony.
In this spirit of community and shared responsibility, let us celebrate St John of God and Hospitality Week by giving back and reaffirming our commitment to helping the homeless and offering hospitality to people in need.