St. John of God, Founder of Fatebenefratelli, Patron of Brothers Hospitaller

St. John of God (1495-1550) was a Portuguese religious brother who founded the Brothers Hospitaller, a Catholic religious order dedicated to the care of the sick and poor. Born in Portugal, he led a troubled youth before experiencing a religious conversion, after which he dedicated his life to serving the needy. He opened hospitals and shelters throughout Spain, and his compassionate care for the sick and mentally ill earned him the title "Patron Saint of Hospitals." St. John of God is venerated for his tireless service and compassion, and he is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, and heart patients.