St. John the Evangelist: Patron Saint of Caregivers

Many of our Filipina compatriots are working here at the Holy City as Caregivers. Everyone one knows how difficult the job of providing care for the elderly person is. Most of them is virtually on call 24 hours, tending to every need of their beloved patient, many of whom are too weak to care for themselves, and some already in their deathbed.

Still and all, the caregivers shower their beloved patients with an unbelievable amount of love and attention, way beyond what their job requires them. Indeed, care giving is more than just a job, it is a noble vocation.

To my compatriots and other nationalities who are working here in Israel as caregivers, I dedicate this article to them, for all their dedication and sacrifices that go with their work.

The Patron Saint of Caregivers is Saint John the Evangelist – which is “unofficial” because St. John is not officially listed as such in the List of Patron Saints of the Catholic Church.

However, many Catholics associate Saint John the Evangelist with caregivers because he was the one who gave great comfort to the Virgin Mary during the Suffering and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Himself told St John to take care of Mary.