A Man called John


St. John of God began to reach out to the most disadvantaged and alienated of society. He rented two adjoining houses in Granada and to there he carried, in his arms or on his back, the sick poor whom he found abandoned in public places or uncared for in private houses. His life became a two-edged sword as his works of charity challenged those indifferent to the message of the Gospel. Some called him "of God." Others called him a madman, but John was finally at peace. He found that by extending the healing hands of Christ to the suffering, God’s presence was with him. No matter how difficult, laborious or repulsive his work, John’s faith and confidence in God gave him the strength to continue. He could no longer deny God’s presence in his life.

John came to realize that providing food, shelter and a sign of hope to those he cared for was not enough. Christ’s message extended also to the entire community. Even in his begging for food and alms, John saw an opportunity for others to participate. "Do good for yourself," he said, "by doing good for others." His example would soon attract others to join him in his works of charity. They, too, shared similar backgrounds and found new life in John’s faith in Christ and his conviction in serving others.

John died in 1550, literally exhausted. Since his conversion, 10 years earlier, John’s work had expanded into a 200-bed hospital in Granada and a night shelter in Toledo. His companions numbered five. The first Brothers also shared John’s confidence that as long as they were faithful in proclaiming Christ’s healing message of salvation, they would be blessed and their work would continue. Twenty years after John’s death, they would seek to become a religious congregation. Their first General Chapter was held in 1587 when they became a Religious Order and drafted their first Constitutions. Today, over 500 years later, 1,200 Brothers of St. John of God continue his mission of caring for the sick and poor in over 360 centers, in 46 countries, on five continents throughout the world.

© 1997 The Brothers of St. John of God