July 20, 2025 - "Saint Joh of Sahagun"

John González was born in 1430 of a well-to-do family in Sahagún de Campos Spain. He studied under the Benedictines in his native city, showing great promise. In 1454 he was ordained priest by the Bishop of Burgos and held the office of chaplain at the Church of Saint Gadea. When his Bishop died in 1456, John resigned his chaplaincy and moved to Salamanca to pursue further studies in canon law and theology, obtaining degrees in both. He was named preacher of the city of Salamanca and a member of the University College of Saint Bartholomew.  As a preacher, he drew large crowds due to his clarity, eloquence and sincerity, while also incurring opposition and criticism for his denunciation of the sins of both nobles and the common people. 

 

On June 18,1463, he renounced all his offices to join the Augustinian Order in Salamanca. He was professed the following year on August 28, 1464, and thereafter continued his preaching ministry while exercising various responsibilities in the Order as prior and delegate to various provincial chapters. Because of his renown in the city, he became a principal agent of reconciliation between various rival groups, thus bringing peace to Salamanca. He was also respected as a defender of the rights of workers and the common folk. His personal life was marked by his great devotion to the Holy Eucharist, his humility, and his simplicity.  John died January 10, 1479, at the age of 49. He was beatified in 1601 and canonized in 1691 by Pope Innocent XII. Some of his contemporaries believed that he had been poisoned in retaliation for his condemnation of the immoral lifestyle of a public figure. His remains are venerated in the cathedral of Salamanca where he is honored as patron of both the city and the diocese. 

 

Saint John of Sahagún's life bears witness to the necessity being attentive always to the call of God and generous in responding, regardless of where the summons might lead. There can be no limits placed on one's availability when a person experiences within the force of God's love—whether in one’s state of life or in carrying out of one’s responsibilities even at a high price.

 

Until next week,

Fr. John