As a Deacon in 1985, in the city of Rome, I had the privilege of visiting and serving the sick in the Hospital of Saint John of God in Rome. In this huge hospital overlooking the Trastevere, the Religious Order of Saint John of God served the sick and elderly, seeing in them the Person of Jesus.
Several decades have passed since I visited and served the sick in that hospital. What I remember most from this short visit that I made as a Deacon in Holy Week is not the Hospital, nor its geographical location, nor even the sick patients. What I do remember, and it left an indelible impression on me, is the exquisite manners of the Brothers who served in that Hospital.
A most warm welcome, winning smiles, kind and encouraging words, an exquisite repast, all of this and more flowed almost spontaneously from the Brothers of the Community in the Hospital of Saint John of God. Indeed, I felt treated as if I were a prince, better yet, a king.
Remarking on their most delicate and exquisite manners and sincere hospitality, I complimented one of the Brothers of Saint John of God as I made my departure returning to the Seminary. My words: “In all honesty, you brothers are truly superb in your hospitality.” Spontaneously, and with the utmost humility, the Brother of Saint John of God responded: “Well, we better have been hospitable because that is actually our fourth vow: Poverty, Chastity, Obedience, and the vow of Hospitality!” Up to that point in my formation, even though I am a religious priest, it never dawned on me that there could be four vows, much less one of hospitality.
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