June 11
Saint John of Sahagún
Priest
(Around 1430-1479)
“A preacher must be prepared in his soul to speak the truth, both in denouncing and correcting shortcomings and in praising virtue, to such a point that he is willing in that cause even to face death.”
Saint John of Sahagún
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
John, also know as Giovanni or Juan, was born around 1430 in Sahagún (or San Facondo), Leon, Spain, He was the oldest son of John Gonzalez de Castrillo and Sancia Martinez. His birth was regarded as a miraculous event since his parents had been sterile for sixteen years prior to his arrival. Along with his other six brothers and sisters, he was raised in a pious and well-to-do family. While still a youth, John received the tonsure, according to the custom of the times
While he was still a boy, his father procured for him a small benefice. The Bishop of Burgos and the Abbot of Sahagún gave him four other benefices by the time he was 20, because his family was influential and these leaders recognized a promise of greatest in John.
At the Fagondez Abbey in Sahagún, John received his education from the Benedictines, developing a strong foundation in the faith. In fact, Alfonso de Cartagena, Bishop of Burgos, took a fancy to the bright, high-spirited boy, had him educated at his own residence.
Ordained A Priest
In 1454, John was ordained priest by the Bishop of Burgos and held several benefices in the diocese of Burgos, Spain. However, unlike many others of his class, John did not view his vocation solely as a profession. He felt a genuine call to serve others and live a holy life, giving most of the proceeds from his benefices to the poor.
Canon to Chaplain
The Bishop made John a canon at the Cathedral of Burgos. Out of conscientious respect for the laws of the Church, John resigned all and retained only the chaplaincy of at the Chapel of Saint Agatha. Here in this poor neighborhood of the city, John said Mass and preached the faith to the poor, laboring zealously for the salvation of souls.
When the Bishop died in 1456, John resigned as chaplain and moved to Salamanca to pursue further studies in canon law and theology, obtaining degrees in both, at the University of Salamanca. During his time as a priest, John studied at the and later at Burgos.
Preacher
John was named preacher of the city of Salamanca and a member of the University College of Saint Bartholomew. As preacher, he drew large crowds due to his clarity, eloquence and sincerity, while also incurring opposition and criticism for his denunciation of the sins of both nobles and commoners.
In fact, while John was ministering at the Church of Saint Bartholomew, the Duke of Alba complained when he used the pulpit to denounce not only the sins of common people, but also the sins of the nobility.
“Father, you do not know how to control your tongue,” the Duke angrily charged.
John responded, “Sir Duke, tell me why did I walk into that Pulpit: To proclaim the truth to all who would listen, or to shamefully praise you? A preacher must be prepared in his soul to speak the truth, both in denouncing and correcting shortcomings and in praising virtue, to such a point that he is willing in that cause even to face death.”
Joined Augustinian Order
John’s life took a significant turn when he fell seriously ill and underwent major surgery for a kidney stone. During his illness, John vowed that if his life were spared, he would become a religious. After his recovery in 1463, John applied for admission to the Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine, at the church of St. Peter, at Salamanca. Then, on August 28, 1464, he made his profession.
Gifted
John was well-known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, often experiencing visions during Mass. He would see the Host surrounded by light and occasionally have visions of the bodily form of Christ at the moment of consecration.
John made such progress in religious perfection that he was soon appointed master of novices. In 1471, he was appointed as prior of the Augustinian Order in Salamanca. Using his gifts of being able to penetrate the secrets of conscience, confessors and sinners could not easily deceive him and were almost forced to make good confessions.
Made Enemies
John fearlessly preached the word of God and scourged the crimes and vices of the day. Offending the rich and nobles, John made many enemies. Some of these enemies even hired assassins. However, they were awed by the serenity and angelic sweetness of John’s countenance and lost their courage to kill him.
Some women of Salamanca, embittered by John’s strong sermon against extravagance in dress, openly insulted him in the streets and pelted him with stones until stopped by a patrol of guards. Nevertheless, John’s dedication to his faith and the well-being of others did not waver.
Due to John’s repeated initiatives for peace, the opposing nobles of Salamanca signed in 1476 a solemn and perpetual peace treaty. The people saw John as wise and prudent. He was able to reconcile feuding families and championed the rights of workers.
Miracle
One of the miracles associated with John’s intercession occurred when a child fell into a well in Salamanca. Despite the efforts of the locals, they were unable to rescue the child. They summoned John, who placed his waistband on the stone wall of the well and prayed for the child’s safety. Miraculously, the water level in the well rose, floating the child to safety.
His Death
John passed away on June 11, 1479, in Salamanca, Spain, due to natural causes. However, rumors suggest John may have been poisoned by a woman whose lover, a nobleman, ended their relationship after hearing one of John’s powerful sermons. This led some to consider him a martyr. His remains were buried in the Old Cathedral of Salamanca.
Born: Around 1430 in Sahagún (or San Facondo), Leon, Spain
Died: June 11, 1479, in Salamanca, Spain
Beatified: June 15, 1601 by Pope Clement VIII
Canonized: October 16, 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII
Feast Day: June 11
Patron Saint: Diocese of Salamanca, Spain; Salamanca, Spain
Reflection
Saint John of Sahagún was fearless in speaking truth—whether to nobles, clergy, or commoners. He preached with such conviction that sinners turned to repentance and enemies were reconciled. His devotion to the Eucharist strengthened his courage, giving him the grace to confront injustice while remaining humble. His boldness came not from pride, but from a heart purified by prayer and the sacraments. In an age of corruption and division, he brought unity and reform through mercy and truth.
When have you felt called to speak the truth with love, even when it was uncomfortable? What gave you the strength—or held you back? When uncomfortable or held back, pray to Jesus for the strength to speak the truth in love for others.
Prayers
Saint John of Sahagún,
You preached the Gospel without fear, correcting injustice with gentleness, and calling all souls to unity and peace.
You drew strength from the Holy Eucharist and the quiet hours of prayer.
Teach me to seek truth boldly and speak it with love.
Help me to confront wrongdoing without pride and to be a peacemaker in a divided world.
May I have a courageous heart, a humble spirit, and a deep devotion to Christ in the Blessed Eucharist Sacrament to strengthen me to do Your Will today.
Saint John of Sahagún, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Juan de Sahagún
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 12 June – St John of Sahagun OESA (1419-1479)
Catholic Exchange – St. John of Sahagún
Catholic Online – St. John of Sahagun
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – John of Sahagun – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Dynamic Catholic – Saint John of Sahagún
Editions Magnificat – Saint John of Sahagun (or St. Fagondez) Confessor, Augustinian (1430-1479)
Melanie Rigney – John of Sahagun
Rev Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St John of Sahagun
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint John of Sahagun (1419-1479)
Saints Alive – St. John of Sahagun
The Augustinians Province of St. Thomas of Villanova – June 12 – Saint John of Sahagún
The Saint Challenge – St. John of Sahagún – June 11
Venxara – June 12 + Saint John of Sahagun
Video Link
St. John of San Facundo (12 June): How Do We Respond to Temptation? – YouTube (Sensus Fidelium)