Description
Saint John of God
Celebrated: on March 8.
The name originates from Hebrew and means ‘God is merciful’.
John grew up as a shepherd and later traveled as a soldier throughout Europe and Africa. Initially, he was not interested in religion, but at the age of 40, he had a vision of the Child Jesus who called him John of God. He redeemed himself from his previous life of hardship by renting a house and caring for the sick and needy. He gave away all he had and begged for money to help the oppressed. He founded the Order of Mercy and the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. John of God is known as a leading religious figure in Spain.
Patron of: the sick, hospitals, hospital staff, firefighters, alcoholics, booksellers.
