 |
| | Bartolomé Esteban Murillo | |
St. John of God was known for his impulsiveness, a trait that often got him into trouble early in his life. At 8 years old, St. John ran away from home with a priest who talked about adventures to the new world. He eventually became a soldier who drank and gambled. But, things turned for the better for St. John when he was thrown from a horse. He decided then that changes needed to be made in his life.
St. John left the army and became a shepherd. Tending his flock, he had more time to figure things out. St. John was determined to reunite with his family, but, unfortunately, found out they had died.
For the next several years, St. John used his impulsivity to benefit those in need. It is said that on some occurrences he would steal for the poor. St. John also put his own life in danger when he saved people from a burning hospital. St. John also held many other jobs throughout his life including a book peddler, a servant, and a nurse.
St. John died on March 8, his feast day and birthday, while trying to save a young boy who fell into a river.
St. John of God is the patron saint of booksellers, printers, heart patients, hospitals, nurses, the sick, and firefighters.
