Saint John was born in Portugal in the 16th century and after some years of loose living, he repented and spent his life caring for the sick and poor. He establishing hostels for them and went about begging alms for their support. His Bishop gave him a type of Habit which we see him wearing in the beautiful statue of him in our Church. St. John, given the name “of God” by his Bishop because of his holiness. Saint John would go around with a crucifix in his hand and beg sinners to repent, often with tears. He would also wear a crown of thorns to remind sinners of what Our Lord suffered for them and to encourage their repentance, hence he is pictured holding a crucifix and wearing a crown of thorns.