Saint John of God
1495 – 1550
Born in 1495 in Portugal, known then as João Cidade, worked as a shepherd, a soldier then bookseller.
Having experienced at first hand treatment for mental illness, John fought to change the practices of the day so that people were treated with love and compassion. He dedicated his life to the care of the poor and sick, looking after people no-one else would and met need where he found it.
From humble beginnings treating his first patient in a porch in Granada, Spain, and going on to establish hospitals that changed the medical practices of the day, his legacy is a worldwide following, caring for over 1 million people every day.
500 years of hospitality
John’s work inspired others to follow his way, the Hospitaller way, leading to the establishment of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, which today carries out its mission in over 50 countries. Over 60,000 co-workers support 1 million people every day, all inspired by his pioneering, inspirational work.
Every day we are inspired by the strength, humanity and hospitality of the people we work alongside
Find out more about our amazing history... beginning in 1880 when the Brothers first arrived in North Yorkshire to establish their first service.
