Our Life
Evolution of the Order in Cameroon
Our Foundation
The Hospitaller Order of St John of God was founded in the 16th century in Granada – Spain by John Ciudad born in Montemo-Onovo in Portugal 1495 -1550. The Church officially approved the Order on 1st January 1572. John’s love of God, the neighbour, the poor and the sick was so strong that he became popularly known as John of God, canonised as St John of God in 1690.
The Call
Granada - Spain
Birthplace of our order
We have a special vocation to follow the compassionate and Merciful Christ of the Gospel. Like the first disciples and our father John of God, we accept to leave everything and consecrate ourselves to the service of the Poor, the sick and the needy. The message of God is addressed to you today. “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, pray to the Master to send more labourers to His harvest.”
Our Mission
Encouraged by the gift we have received, we consecrate ourselves to serving the church in assisting the sick and those in need, with a preference for the poorest. (Const. 5a). The order is international that is present in all continents and in 52 different countries, 11 of which are in Africa: Senegal, Sierra-Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Camerroon, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia Mozambique.
Our Charism
Our charism within the church is Hospitality a gift of the Holy Spirit, which leads us to conform ourselves to the Compassionate and Merciful Christ of the Gospel, who went about doing good to all and “healing all kinds of diseases and infirmity”. (Const. 2a).
Our Spirituality
Our hospitaller community receives its life from the Eucharist. We participate in it actively each day. It forms the irreplaceable and life-giving dimension of our life. In it we exercise our hospitaller priesthood in a special way, presenting the pain and hope of those we serve and dedicate our existence. (Const.30).
Formation
In Cameroon
Our Model
The formation of brothers is in two main stages:
1 - The Initial Formation
2 - The permanent Formation
Initial Formation:
- Aspirancy (contact and observation period)
- Pre-postulancy (6mnths - 1yr)
- Postulancy (1—2 yrs)
- Novitiate (2yrs)
- Scholasticate (5 yrs)
A good Catholic background, good health of mind and body, a desire to serve others especially the sick, good academic qualification allowing access to a university or tertiary learning institution where either medicine or any health related studies in line with our charism and ministry can be pursued. Professionally qualified young men may also apply.
Stages of Formation
The Brothers are present in Nguti in the South West Region since 1968, Batibo in the North West Region 1983, Douala in the Litoral 2011, running health institutions.
The Virgin Mary is for us a Model of consecration by excellence because in accepting her Divine Mission, She consecrated herself totally to the person and mission of Jesus. We call on Her assistance on us through the prayer of the Holy Rosary daily.
Entry Requirements
Young men who are interested and would like to join the St John of God Brothers can write to:
Br John Bangsi OH, Vocations Director, St John of God Brothers P O Box 23 Batibo, NWR, Republic of Cameroon.
Tel: (+237) 671883073
Email: johnban6@yahoo.fr
JESUS ! HERE I AM
Our Brothers and their Experiences
St Sebastien Parish, Batibo - 2015
Batibo - 2016
Batibo - 2016
Nuestra Vida
Notre Vie
