Juan Grande

Saint Juan Grande Román was born in Spain on March 6, 1546, the son of Cristóbal Grande and Isabel Román. As a boy he served in the church choir and later studied in Seville, learning the trade of weaving. Yet as a young man he passed through a deep spiritual crisis that led him to leave home and seek God in prayer at the Hermitage of St. Olalla in Marchena. There he embraced a life of penance, renounced marriage, and humbly took the name “Juan Pecador,” meaning “John the Sinner.” His conversion bore fruit in works of mercy. In Cádiz he begged alms to care for the poor, the sick, and even prisoners. When epidemic disease struck Jerez, he poured himself out for the suffering, founding a hospital dedicated to Our Lady of Candlemas. Drawn to the spirit of Saint John of God, he joined the Brothers Hospitallers and helped reform hospital care in the region. In the end, he died of the plague on June 3, 1600, after tending its victims—venerated as a model of humble charity and courageous service. His feast day is June 3.