John Cidade was born in 1495 in Montemor O Novo, Portugal. He spent most of his life in Spain and eventually settled in the southern city of Granada.
It was here that he met St. John of Avila whose preaching had a profound effect on him. The experience made him realise the depth of God’s love for him and how little he had done to love God in return. Many people considered him mad and some people who knew him took him to the Royal Hospital in Granada. Where he was treated with cruelty and harshness.
When John came out of hospital he was determined that he would help those who were suffering and look after them with love and compassion.
He took shelter in the porch of the home of Don Venegas where he brought those who were sick, poor or in any kind of need, John went on to set up shelters and eventually a hospital.
News of John’s work spread far and wide. He began to attract others who wanted to help him to look after those in need. John died on the 8th March 1550 aged 55. He was canonised in 1690. Twenty two years after his death those who were his followers were recognised as a religious order and called the Hospitaller Brothers of Saint John of God.
Today the work which John began in a porch in Granada continues in 52 countries in the world including Ireland, and covers a wide range of care for those with physical and learning disabilities, the homeless and poor, those with mental health problems and older people.