I was privileged on Wednesday afternoon to represent our club at a small function at St John of God Berwick to mark their 5 years at 75 Kangan Dve. Berwick.
There were presentations from Lisa, Linda as well as the CEO of their foundation. Together the team are collectively proud of the way they look after their patients and the important part they play in the overall local health community.
Linda was also able to share a little about her recent overseas trip to Granada in Spain when she wanted to learn more about St John.
The story of Saint John of God gives us a vivid glimpse of life in 16th century Spain and, especially, in the recently conquered city. Saint John was born in Portugal as João Cidade and roamed the peninsula and Europe as a soldier of fortune - he went as far as Vienna with the army of Carlos Quinto to fight the Turks - and itinerant book-peddler, until he came to Granada.
Here, he was “re-born” at the hands of one of the time’s many charismatic preachers, who - in a Spain profoundly disenchanted with the Catholic church, whose princes had proven powerless to remedy the sufferings caused by war and disease - often offered the poor their only ray of hope. While listening to the fateful sermon, John “heard” God ordering him to care for the sick, an experience which sent him into a fit so violent that he was locked up with the “locos” in the Hospital Real for several months.
He soon became a familiar figure on the filthy streets of the city, often carrying home dying beggars on his shoulders. With the alms he collected he created his own hospital, which after his death multiplied into the great Order now active throughout the world.
Linda shared some terrific pictures including the basilica which I have also visited.
The Hospital has recently erected a wall of thanks representing our connection with them. This picture shows us amongst a wonderful group of people responsible for the establishment and success of the hospital.
