Saint John of God
Feast: 8th March
Patron of: the sick, nurses, hospitals, fire fighters and booksellers:
Saint John of God, a more familiar saint, whom some of you may be acquainted with as many hospitals and health facilities are named after him.
Since the youthful age of eight til the day he died, some say St John of God followed the wild impulses of h
is heart. What did this mean for the saint? Well, he had challenges and difficulties, as many of us do, as he had to discern carefully and choose to follow the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and not be tempted by his own will.
This great saint has a particularly fascinating story. He ran away from home at the age of eight. Not in rebellion against his parents or anger, but so he could join the priesthood. If we think about the eight year olds we know, it seems very unlikely that any of them would run away from home for this reason. John was called by God to do special work.
He never saw his parents again after leaving their home that night. John fell quite ill upon his travels with the priests and a man nursed him back to health and later adopted him as his own. John lived with this man til he was 27 years old. Although at this age he escaped and ran away from home again as he did not wish to marry, as this was planned for him. He escaped into the Army and was involved in gambling, drinking and all sorts with his fellow soldiers.
After many years he had stumbled across the famous John of Avila and his sermon which affected his repentance and conversation back to God. He was impulsive and tore up any secular items he owned or possessed. He did his penance, 40 days, and began to become involved in helping others. His impulsive nature allowed him to act quickly when there was a need before him. Can learn from this? Are we too slow sometimes when there is a need right in front of us? Another blessed who did not let a need escape her was Mother Theresa.
Have you every shied away from what is right for fear of torment or embarassment? Lets pray through Saint John of God in those times of need!
Later on, God called John to start a hospital for the poor whom couldn’t not afford treatment. Saint John died on the 8th of March.
Reference:
www.catholic.org
Originally posted 2014-03-05 01:37:29.