Saint John of God
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Saint John of God, born João Duarte Cidade, was a Portuguese soldier turned healthcare worker in Spain, known for his profound conversion and dedication to the sick and poor. Initially leading a life of sin, he experienced a dramatic change after hearing a sermon by John of Ávila, leading him to establish a hospital in Granada that would care for the poor, sick, and mentally ill. His work laid the foundation for the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, an order still active today. His life was marked by acts of charity, humility, and self-sacrifice, culminating in his death while saving a drowning man.
Biography
Birth
John of God was born on March 8, 1495, in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal.
Early Life
After being kidnapped at eight years old, he lived as a shepherd, then joined the military, experiencing a life far from religious devotion.
Occupation
He worked as a soldier, shepherd, and bookseller before dedicating his life to charity.
Vocation
His conversion led him to serve the sick, founding the Order of Hospitallers which later became the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God.
Death
He died on his 55th birthday, March 8, 1550, in Granada, Spain, from pneumonia contracted after saving a man from drowning.
Significant events
- Experienced a profound conversion after hearing St. John of Ávila preach, leading him to a life of service.
- Founded the Hospital of St. John of God in Granada, caring for the sick, poor, and mentally ill.
- Established the Order of Hospitallers, now known as the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God.
Death
John of God succumbed to pneumonia after heroically saving a young man from drowning in a river.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize him as a Servant of God likely began shortly after his death, though exact details are not well-documented.
Venerable
Declared Venerable, although specific dates are not commonly recorded.
Beatification
Beatified on September 21, 1638, by Pope Urban VIII, based on his life of virtue and the miracles attributed to him.
Canonization
Canonized on October 16, 1690, by Pope Alexander VIII, recognizing his sanctity and the miracles performed through his intercession.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
While specific miracles for beatification aren't detailed, his life was filled with acts considered miraculous, such as his rescue efforts during hospital fires.
Miracle for canonization
One notable miracle was his unscathed passage through flames while saving patients during a hospital fire.
Other notable miracles
- His ability to attract heavenly visitors during his work, lightening his tasks with divine assistance.
Patronage
John of God is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, booksellers, printers, and heart patients.
Feast day
Saint John of God's feast day is celebrated on March 8.
Veneration
He is venerated through the work of the Brothers Hospitallers worldwide and through devotion at his basilica in Granada. His relics are venerated in many places, and his life inspires numerous charitable works.
Books
Written about the saint
- [Historia del Glorioso San Juan de Dios by Francisco de Castro - 1585]
- [Life of St. John of God by J. M. T. Barton - 1885]
Written by the saint
No known writings by Saint John of God exist.