Letter from the Provincial
The dream lives on…..
My dear Members of the Saint John of God Family, on January 19th, we celebrate the Annual Juan d’ Avila, Angulo, Remembrance Day. As many of you know, Angulo was Saint John of God’s right hand man, best friend, companion and confidant. Angulo was John’s Administrative Manager and more, following his death in 1550, Angulo continued John of God’s work with the Brothers for 30 more years. Angulo’s commitment was not just to John of God, but to Hospitality in the manner of John of God. As one of our great historians, Brother Mathias de Mina notes, this makes Angulo the prototype of the Saint John of God Co-worker.
John of God had an extraordinary influence not only on those who worked with him during his life time, but on those who continue his work down the centuries to this present today. This was never more evident than it is during these very difficult and challenging times we are living through. The measure of the depth and breadth of the John of God spirit that prevails across the organisation can be experienced and seen in the commitment, sacrifice and creativity of individuals in response to an ever-changing situation due to the Coronavirus.
So many of our Co-workers, John of God Co-workers, sacrifice personal time, go that extra mile, staying at ones post to ensure the person being accompanied, nursed or cared for in whatever way is safe and not neglected. This is done so willingly and with a smile, that the recipient doesn’t feel guilty, embarrassed, or in any way responsible for what is happening.
As we celebrate the 450 Anniversary of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God’s approval as a Religious Institute, (1572) one can only marvel seeing the dream lives on. This fills one with gratitude and wonder at it all. We pray that Saint John of God and Angulo – Juan d’Avila, will continue to inspire and be with us all on our Hospitaller Journey. Gratefully yours and united in Hospitality.
Brother Donatus Forkan OH, Provincial