Saint John of Sahagun, 1419-1479, Saint Fagondez
Studied and is patron of Salamanca, Spain, one of the greatest preachers, visionary during the Mass, levitated, miracle-worker

    Educated by Benedictines at Fagondez abbey at Sahagun. Ordained in 1445. Held several benefices in the diocese of Burgos

    Studied at the University of Salamanca, and then at Burgos. Following a grave illness and major surgery, he became an Augustinian canon at Salamanca

    Noted for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament; during Mass, he often saw the Host surrounded by light, sometimes had visions of the bodily form of Christ at the moment of consecration. His devotion, and his visions, often led to some very lengthy Masses. Reported to levitate during his prayers. Could read hearts in confession, and became a sought-after spiritual director. Great preacher whose sermons helped change social conditions in Salamanca. 

    One of the greatest preachers. His sermons against sinful living conditions, and in support of the rights and diginity of workers brought him the opposition of some local leaders. A duke at Alba de Tormes hired assassins to stop him, but they recognized John's holiness, and would not touch him, confessed to him, and asked forgiveness. The duke later fell ill, and was healed by John's prayers. Some local women, however, were not so concerned; when he preached against wasting resources on extravagant fashions, some of them threw stones at him in the street.

    Miracles were attributed to Father John's intervention, before and after his death. One occurred in Salamanca when a small child fell into a well. The locals made every effort, but could not effect a rescue. They sent for Father John who went to the scene, laid his waistband on stone wall of the well, and prayed that the waters return the child. The well water rose to ground level, floating the child to safety. This incident is depicted in the image of Saint John on this page.

Born 1419 at Sahagun (Saint Fagondez), Léon, Spain as John Gonzales de Castrillo

Died 11 June 1479 at Salamanca, Spain; may have been poisoned by a woman whose lover, a nobleman, broke off their relationship after hearing John preach, and for this reason he is sometimes listed as a martyr; relics in Spain, Belgium and Peru

Canonized 16 October 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII

Additional Information

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj6v.htm
http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/06-12.htm

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