OUR PATRON - ST. JOHN OF GOD

When the Sisters first came to Wexford, they were known as "The Infirmarian Sisters". It was Bishop Furlong who suggested that we adopt St. John of God as Patron and be known as "Sisters of St. John of God". The Sisters were inspired by St. John of God's care and love for the sick and dying.

John Cuidad was born in 1495 at Montemor O Nova in Portugal . He spent many years as shepherd, soldier, labourer, bookseller, before he found his true calling. In 1538 John went to Granada and, while there, he heard the famous speaker, John of Avila, preaching in one of the churches of the city. He spoke of the need to serve God. John, conscious of his own ill spent life, became very agitated and cried out for forgiveness and began to tear his clothes. Some, thinking he was insane, led him to the Royal Hospital. Here John suffered many floggings and other hardships.

When John left this hospital, he knew what was to be his life's work. His ambition was to open a house for all poor, suffering people where they would be treated with dignity and care. Help came from many sources: well-to-do ladies, rich businessmen and the Bishop of the area.

His first house of hospitality opened in 1539. To maintain his house, he often had to beg. He set out with his basket and cried out to the people "Do good for yourselves, brothers, by doing good for others". John rose before dawn each morning to pray. With the assistance of a few helpers, the patients were fed and cared for. The first helpers that committed themselves to the care of the weak and the poor were not bound by vows. These were the informal beginnings of the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God who still care for the sick and needy in many parts of the world.

The Bishop of Granada endorsed the name "John of God" the name he was called by the local people. John spent the remainder of his life caring for the poor of Granada and the surrounding area. He died on 8 th March 1550. He is the Patron of hospitals and the sick.