St. John Grande (1546-1600)

Born at Carmona (Spain) John was the second of seven children. As a young boy he consecrated himself to God at the sanctuary of Marchena serving the sick and poor. In 1572 he began to build the hospital of Our Lady of Candelora which three years later incorporated the infirmary of San Sebastian, thereby becoming an efficient general hospital. Brother John Grande sought admission into the ranks of the Brothers of John of God. He was accepted in the Order with his companions. He became a great hospital organizer and builder. Instead of founding his own congregation he preferred to join that of John of God and to bring his followers into it with him. In 1599 plague broke out and he offered his life to God as a victim of the terrible disease. After a week of great suffering he died of the plague and was hastily buried in the hospital garden. John Grande was beatified in 1853 and in 1986 was appointed patron of the diocese of Jerez. He was proclaimed a saint on 2 June 1996.