(1495-1550) Born in Portugal, João Duarte Cidade was kidnapped at 8 years old and abandoned, worked as a shepherd, and then fought as a soldier for 18 years. John fell into a wild lifestyle and became angry about his misfortunes, yet he never fully gave up on his faith. At 42, he had a deep conversion listening to Saint John of Avila in Spain, suffered a mental breakdown, and John of Avila became his spiritual director and suggested he serve others. John made a pilgrimage in Spain, then devoted his life to caring for the poor, sick, and vulnerable, but was occasionally publicly shamed for his wild past. John founded the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God at the age of 77.
Saint John is traditionally considered a patron of alcoholics for his wild years and his compassion for the unfortunate. As with any saint, we can be inspired by his conversion and his life, and we can (and we should) ask him to pray with us and pray for us. Do you trust the saints can intercede for us?
“Labour without stopping; do all the good works you can while you still have the time” (Saint John of God).
Reflection by Brad Farmer