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ST. JOHN OF GOD
Saint John of God (born João Duarte Cidade, March 8th,1495 in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal) was known for his humility and dedication to serving those most in need.
Today, Saint John of God is the patron saint of booksellers, printers, heart patients, hospitals, nurses, the sick, and firefighters and is considered the founder of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. He is remembered for his tireless service and dedication to those in need.
He left behind a thriving organization and a philosophy of care that continues to inspire.
“Labour without stopping,
do all the good works you can,
while you still have the time.”
-St. John of God
OFFER SOMEONE A HOT MEAL, CLEAN CLOTHES AND A BED TO STAY IN TODAY.
Early Life (1495-1537):
Born João Duarte Cidade in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, on March 8th,1495.
Details of his youth are scarce, but accounts suggest he left home at a young age.
He worked as a shepherd in Spain and later enlisted in the military, fighting in North Africa.
During his military service, he reportedly engaged in gambling, drinking, and other activities not aligned with his later saintly reputation.
Transformation (1537-1539):
Upon returning to Spain, John experienced a spiritual awakening, possibly triggered by the sermons of a priest named John of Avila.
Filled with remorse for his past, he sold his belongings and began caring for the sick in Granada, Spain.
He faced ridicule and even spent time in a mental institution due to his newfound fervor.
Founding His Mission (1539-1550):
John rented a house in Granada to care for the sick, the poor, especially those with mental illness.
His dedication and compassion attracted followers who assisted him in his mission.
He received the name “John of God” from a local bishop who recognized his piety.
John and his followers secured official approval from the Church for their work.
Legacy (After 1550):
John died in 1550, but his followers continued his work, formally establishing the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.
The Hospitaller Order grew rapidly, receiving support from King Philip II of Spain and Pope Sixtus V.
Today, the Order is a global organization dedicated to healthcare and social services.
John of God was canonized (declared a saint) in 1690.
Locations of Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God
Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God
The Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, is a Catholic religious order founded in 1572 . They are officially abbreviated as OH. They are also commonly referred to as the Fatebenefratelli (meaning “Do-Good Brothers” in Italian) and elsewhere as the “Brothers of Mercy” and the “John of God Brothers”. The order is dedicated to a wide range of health and social service activities across 410 centers in 19 Provinces located across 54 countries on 5 continents. The Brothers operate healthcare facilities and social services, and continue their legacy of compassion and care.
List of Provinces, Viceprovinces and Delegations
Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God
Province of the Good Shepherd in North America
The Good Shepherd Center was the first homeless refuge in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following the Gospel mandate of Jesus Christ to love God and neighbor, its mission to the poor is expressed in direct service programs to the homeless and unwanted members of society.
Ministries in Miami include both Camillus House and Camillus Health Concern. Serving the South Florida community since 1960, Camillus House provides humanitarian services to men, women and children who are poor and homeless.
Momence, Illinois
Good Shepherd Manor is a residential facility for men with developmental disabilities in Momence, Illinois. Good Shepherd Manor’s mission is to serve the needs of men with developmental disabilities who are not capable of earning their own livelihood or meeting their basic needs in a non-structured environment.
In Westville Grove, New Jersey, the Brothers administer St. John of God Community Services. For nearly 50 years, St. John of God Community Services has proudly provided services to thousands of children and adults with disabilities.
Started as a men’s hostel in Hamilton in 1961, Good Shepherd Centre has grown to become the greater Hamilton area’s largest social service agency. Good Shepherd Centre endeavors to extend to all, hope, unconditional love, dignity, and respect, committing to compassion, acceptance and understanding of the human condition.
Ministries in Toronto include Good Shepherd Centre, a shelter providing services to homeless and disadvantaged; Barrett House, a supportive housing residence for people living with HIV and AIDS; and St. Joseph’s Residence, a supportive housing residence for seniors with a history of homelessness.
Montreal, Quebec Canada
The Brothers in Montreal serve the residents at Residence Les Deux Aires, a retirement community.
Lasting impact on healthcare and social care:
The Hospitaller Order: Inspired by John’s work, the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God continues his mission across the globe.
Compassionate Care: Saint John of God’s approach emphasized treating the sick with dignity and respect, a philosophy that continues to influence modern healthcare.
Focus on the Marginalized: His work extended to those often neglected by society, like the mentally ill and the poor. This focus on serving the most vulnerable remains a cornerstone of their mission.
Saintly Status: His canonization by the Catholic Church solidified his image as a role model for compassion and service, inspiring countless individuals to pursue similar paths.
Video – Life and Legacy
In this presentation, John of God welcomes us to his Granada of the 1540s
Highlights
- John explores with us key aspects and moments of his 11 years in the city.
- What attracted him to change his life?
- Why did he give his life ‘to brother’ his sick and poor ‘brothers and sisters’?
- Who supported him in his ministry of JOHN OF GOD HOSPITALITY?
(original website feed https://sjogbrothers.eu/our-founder-and-heritage/)
Video – St John of God artworks in the city of Granada
Many works shown in this video can be found in the San Juan de Sios Museum – Casa de los Pisa in Granada. The museum is in a magnificent 16th-century palace, the Casa de los Pisa. The Pisa family became known for giving St. John of God shelter in their palace until his death in 1550. The museum has icons of the saint on display, as well as the art treasures of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, with over 400 years of history.
Learn more about this institution here https://www.museosanjuandedios.es/