This week in Christian history: Salvation Army arrives in US; John of God born
St. John of God born – March 8, 1495
This week marks the anniversary of when John of God, a soldier turned charity worker who founded an order that currently oversees hundreds of hospitals worldwide, was born in Portugal.
Born Joao Cidade, John of God was homeless as a child following the death of his mother and, as an adult, served as mercenary soldier, shepherd and bookseller.
After hearing a sermon by St. John of Avila, John of God had an intense religious experience that eventually led him to found a hospital and dedicate his life to serving the poor.
In 1549, when a fire broke out at a hospital in Granada, Spain, John of God personally oversaw the rescue of the patients trapped inside, at times carrying people out of the building.
“A Basilica was constructed in 1757 in Granada to house his grave, and is protected by the Knights of St. John of God. His order today has a presence in 53 countries and more than 300 hospitals,” noted the Newman Connection.
“The Family of St. John of God, as the Order is referred to today, is made up of more than 45,000 members, Brothers and co-workers and it is supported by tens of thousands of benefactors and friends who identify and support the work of the Order.”
