Saint of the day, Saint John of God

Saint of the day, Saint John of God: Having given up the active Christian faith while a soldier, John was 40 years old. Before the depth of his sinfulness began to manifest in him. He decided to dedicate the rest of his life to the service of God and immediately headed to Africa. Where he hoped to free the captive Christians and, possibly, to be martyred.

He was soon informed that his desire for martyrdom was not spiritually well founded and he returned to Spain and the relatively prosaic business of a religious articles shop. Yet it was not yet resolved. Initially moved by a sermon from St. John of Avila, he one day beat himself up in public, begging for mercy and wildly repenting for his past life.

Engaged in a psychiatric hospital for these actions, Giovanni was visited by San Giovanni, who advised him to be more actively involved in caring for the needs of others rather than enduring personal hardships. John gained peace of heart and soon left the hospital to start working among the poor.

He established a home where he wisely cared for the needs of the sick poor, first begging alone. But, excited by the saint's great work and inspired by his devotion, many people began to support him with money and provisions. Among them were the archbishop and the marquis of Tarifa.

Saint of the day: Saint John of God

Behind John's outward acts of total concern and love for Christ's sick poor was a profound life of interior prayer which was reflected in his spirit of humility. These qualities attracted helpers who, 20 years after John's death, formed the Brothers Hospitallers, now a world religious order.

Giovanni fell ill after 10 years of service, but tried to mask his poor health. He began to put the administrative work of the hospital in order and appointed a leader for his aides. He died under the care of a spiritual friend and admirer, Mrs. Anna Ossorio.

Reflection: The total humility of John of God, which led to a totally selfless dedication to others, is very impressive. Here is a man who has realized his nothingness before God. The Lord blessed him with the gifts of prudence, patience, courage, enthusiasm and the ability to influence and inspire others. He saw that at the beginning of his life he had turned away from the Lord and, prompted to receive his mercy, John began his new commitment to love others by opening himself to God's love.