“If I must die for preaching the Truth, so be it. The Truth is not mine to silence.”

John was born in 1419 at Sahagún, in the Province of Leon, Spain, as the oldest of 7 to Juan González del Castrillo and Sancha Martínez, who were a wealthy family in the city.

He was educated by the Brothers of the Royal Monastery of Saint Benedict and received the tonsure while still in his youth. His father obtained a wealthy position for him as Benefice of the neighboring parish, but he refused as he saw it contrary to God’s Way. His family was disappointed and he decided to serve as a Page for the Bishop, who provided for and continued his education.

Seeing the intellect and qualities in him, the Bishop had John ordained as a priest at the age of 26, and he was given administrative duties such as Benefice and Prebends, as well as Canon of the Cathedral of Burgos. Each of the positions provided assets and revenue which caused him concern. He did not find the work fulfilling and thought it contrary to the spirit of priesthood so he resigned from all of them except his parish of Saint Agatha in the poor neighborhood of the city.

He dedicated himself wholly to the congregation, labored zealously, preached with remarkable power, and attracted great crowds while leading a life of strict poverty.

He wanted to benefit others more with his talent and obtained permission to enter the University of Salamanca for a degree in theology.

He continued to draw large crowds as a preacher and denounced not only the sins of the common people, but also those of nobility.

He became severely ill and underwent an operation for kidney stones. He vowed that if his life was spared, that he would enter a religious order, which he did in 1463, becoming an Augustinian friar. As directed, he gave himself fully to preaching and did not hesitate to criticize the abuses of power and scandals of the upper class, making many enemies. He was insulted and pelted with stones in the streets with several attempts on his life but wrought extraordinary conversions.

He was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and was gifted with the ability to read the secrets of conscience. He would reconcile rival groups, end feuds, and transformed the moral life of the city while defending the rights of workers and commoners.

At the age of 60, his health began to fail. He died at Sahagun on June 11, 1479, having been poisoned by the mistress of a man he had convinced to leave her.

He is the patron saint of workers and Salamanca, Spain.

His feast day is June 12.

For God’s Glory.