Saint John of God (1495-1550)
From his own trials, John found his life calling. John had received faith in God growing up, but during his career as a soldier he gave up an active faith life. When his career as a soldier came to an end, John became a shepherd. At the age of forty, John had a conversion experience, filled with deep remorse for his past way of life. He decided to start up a bookshop and religious goods store. However, John’s conversion really came to fruition only three years later. On hearing a sermon preached by St. John of Avila, John of God ran out onto the streets performing wild acts of repentance. For this, John was admitted to an insane asylum. After a visit by St. John of Avila, John was calmed and redirected his passion towards the service of others. Having experienced the mistreatment of the instance asylum, John established a hospital to care for the poor who were sick (either physically or mentally). This service inspired many others to join him, and laid the foundations for what would become the Order of the Brothers Hospitallers. After ten years of exhaustive service, John died after contracting a disease while saving a man from drowning.
Prayer
Father, you gave John of God love and compassion for others. Grant that by doing good for others we may be counted among the saints of your kingdom.