Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint John of God, a man who embodied true compassion and love for his fellow human beings. He was born in Portugal and spent most of his early life as a soldier and a wanderer, until he experienced a spiritual awakening that led him to dedicate his life to serving the poor and the sick.
Saint John of God formed the Brothers Hospitallers, which focused on providing care for the sick and the dying, as well as those who were marginalized and forgotten by society. He did not discriminate between people of different races or religions and showed unwavering kindness to all those in need.
His life was marked by great sacrifices and he often faced criticism and opposition, but he remained steadfast in his devotion to God and his mission to serve the poor. Even in his final moments, he continued to show compassion, comforting and praying for those who were with him.
Today, let us honor the legacy of Saint John of God and be inspired by his selflessness and love for others. May we strive to follow in his footsteps and serve those around us with kindness, compassion, and humility.
Feast Day: March 8
Born: March 8, 1495
Died: March 8, 1550 (aged 55)
Canonized: October 16, 1690, Rome, Papal States, by Pope Alexander VIII
Patron saint of booksellers, printers, heart patients, hospitals, nurses, the sick, and firefighters and is considered the founder of the Brothers Hospitallers.
