Why we celebrate St John of God Day with a simple basket

7 Mar 2017

7 March 2017

This year on 8 March, in recognition of the Saint who inspired SJGHC’s founding Sisters, we focus on the basket St John of God used to collect alms and supplies for the sick and injured in Spain.

SJGHC Group Director of Mission Integration Marcelle Mogg said the basket became a symbol for St John of God who used it to ask his community to do good for themselves by giving something to the poor.

“It is a simple message but one that continues to be relevant today,” she said.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, we not only bring about healing in the lives of the patients we serve, but look for ways we can support and improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.”

SJGHC celebrates the Saint’s Feast Day every year in recognition of St John of God’s mission to alleviate suffering and comfort the sick in Spain in the 1500s.

“We continue this mission through our hospitals, and social outreach and disability services,” Marcelle said.

“Celebrating St John of God Day is an opportunity to reflect on our roles in providing care and support for the sick and less fortunate in our community.”

Did you know?

• St John of God’s basket is conserved at the Hospitaller Order of St John of God’s archives in the Casa de los Pisa in Granada, Spain.