St John of God

Taken from his Portuguese parents at age 8, John led an irregular life in Spain as an estate manager and soldier.

His conversion at about 40 took such extreme forms that he sometimes was confined for lunacy.

In 1538 he began the hospital work that brought him respect and renown.

Thereafter, he devoted himself to sheltering and caring for the needy, including prostitutes and vagabonds.

After his death, his followers were organized into the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.

Text: Catholic News Service
Image: Public Domain