Brother ANTONIO MARTÍN

The first companion and successor of the Founder St John of God

Born at Mira (Cuenca) in 1500.

Died in Madrid on 24 December 1553.

Antonio Martín was a man of noble birth, a proud, brash and arrogant man, who went to Granada to attend the trial to sentence a certain Pietro Velasco to hang for the honour killing of his own brother. Every day he would give alms to John, but he was unwilling to show mercy to the convicted man and forgive him.

Celi recounts Antonio Martín’s meeting with John of God, in the following text:

“John met Antonio Martín in Colcha road and as soon as he saw him, he went down on his knees before him, pointing to the crucifix that he used to take with him, saying: "Brother Antonio Martín, forgive that poor man, so that the Lord may pardon you. Remember that you must also die and that the Law of God teaches us to do good to those who do us harm.

Antonio Martín, stunned by this request, lifted him up from the ground and said: "I forgive him, so that God may forgive me my sins. Furthermore, I want to become your brother and companion from now on, pledging to follow your holy way of life as long as I live" (Celi Chap. X).

Both men became St John's friends, brothers and companions, and in the evenings they would also go out barefoot, begging for alms, setting a great public example of humility and love for the poor.

Antonio Martín was 39 years old when he decided to become poor among the poor. John of God wanted him to become the Superior (the 'Hermano Mayor') of the Granada Community and, according to Celi, he remained subject to him, submitting to Martín's authority.

He founded a new hospital in Madrid, where he died on 24 December 1553 in the odour of sanctity. He always lived with great humility, begging for alms for his poor. His mortal remains rest in the side wall of the chapel entrance, with the following inscription:

“Here lies the body of Antonio Martín,

First Brother of St John of God.

He forgavehis enemies and loved the less fortunate.

He founded the hospital of Our Lady of the Love of God, in Atocha Road.

He died in Madrid in 1553”.