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OUR FOUNDER
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SAINT JOHN OF GOD
A Legacy of Hospitality and Compassion
In 1539, Granada, Spain, was a city of great opportunity and wealth, yet many who were poor, sick, and vulnerable were overlooked, abandoned, and left to suffer. Moved by the hardships he witnessed and experienced himself, St. John of God felt called to respond in a radically different way. He envisioned a place where every person, regardless of their circumstances, would be welcomed with dignity, compassion, and respect.
After being released from the Royal Hospital, John began caring for those whom society had forgotten. He opened a small hospital that provided food, shelter, medical care, and, most importantly, a sense of belonging. St. John believed that healing involved more than treating physical needs. He understood the importance of kindness, meaningful relationships, and genuine human connection. His approach was revolutionary for its time and laid the foundation for a new way of caring for others.
Each day, John walked the streets of Granada seeking out those in need and inviting others to join him in his mission. He often encouraged people with the words:
"Do good for yourselves, brothers and sisters, by doing good for others."
His message of compassion inspired many, and his ministry quickly grew. Though St. John of God served for only twelve years, his witness left a lasting impact that extended far beyond the city of Granada. Following his death on March 8, 1550, his commitment to Hospitality and compassionate care inspired the formation of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.
Canonized in 1690, St. John of God was later named the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, booksellers, and firefighters. Today, more than 475 years later, his legacy continues through the Brothers of St. John of God and their ministries around the world. Serving in 54 countries, they carry forward his mission by bringing hope, healing, hospitality, and compassionate care to those who are poor, vulnerable, sick, or marginalized.
The life of St. John of God reminds us that one act of kindness can spark a movement and that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and love. His example continues to inspire our work and our commitment to serving others with Hospitality at the heart of all we do.
SIGNATURE
St. John of God’s signature and emblem were much more than a way of signing his name. Through carefully chosen letters, colors, and symbols, he expressed the values that guided his life and ministry. The colors red and gold symbolized Christ’s sacrifice and the purification of the soul, while the three letters represented the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. For St. John of God, these virtues were essential to living a life rooted in compassion, service, and trust in God.
His emblem also included symbols representing prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, along with a cross to remind individuals of the unique journey and challenges each person carries. More than 475 years later, his signature continues to inspire reflection on the virtues that shaped his mission. It serves as a lasting reminder of his commitment to Hospitality, human dignity, and caring for those most in need.
STAFF AND BREAD BASKET
As St. John of God traveled through the streets of Granada seeking support for his hospital, he carried a simple pilgrim’s staff and basket. Like many travelers of the 16th century, he used a staff with hooks to carry essential items. On one side hung a coin box for collecting alms, and on the other a basket filled with food such as bread, meat, or fish for those in his care. Rather than sending others on his behalf, St. John personally gathered food, supplies, and necessities, ensuring that those staying in his hospital could maintain their privacy and dignity.
The staff and basket became enduring symbols of his ministry of Hospitality and service. The early Brothers of St. John of God were instructed to carry similar items as a sign of their shared mission to care for the poor and sick. One well-known story tells of St. John accidentally catching a gentleman's cloak with his basket, prompting an angry slap. When the man later realized he had struck St. John of God, he sought forgiveness and donated generously to help the poor. Near the end of his life, St. John even used his basket as a pillow during illness. Today, his staff and basket are preserved in the Casa de los Pisa in Granada, Spain, as reminders of his humility, compassion, and dedication to serving others.
