Saint John of Sahagun

Priest
(1430–1479)

Saint John of Sahagun, also called Saint John Fagundez, was born around 1430 in the town of Sahagun in the province of León in Spain. His parents recognized early the special grace at work in their son and gave him a religious education. He served as a page at the court of the bishop of Burgos, who provided for his education, and he was ordained to the priesthood and given several ecclesiastical benefices.

Troubled by the custom of holding multiple benefices without residence, which he saw as contrary to the spirit of the priesthood, John surrendered all but one of his positions and dedicated himself wholly to his parish of Saint Agatha in Burgos. There he preached with remarkable power, attracting great crowds. A serious illness, which he bore with great patience, moved him to resolve to enter religious life, and in 1463 he entered the Augustinian friary of Salamanca.

After his profession and his ordination as an Augustinian, John was assigned to preach in the city of Salamanca, where his word wrought extraordinary conversions. He was fearless in denouncing injustice, including the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy and powerful. He reconciled enemies, ended feuds, and transformed the moral life of the city. His sermons against gambling, dueling, and luxury made him enemies among the great, but his charity and holiness won the hearts of the people.

He died on June 11, 1479, possibly by poison administered by enemies of his reforming preaching. Pope Alexander VIII canonized him in 1690. His feast is June 12.