John, who was born into an aristocratic family in Florence, Italy, in the year 993, had a predictably frivolous life as a young man, only interested in the pursuit of pointless amusements and romantic affairs.

But when his older brother Hugh was killed when he was still a young man, John was overcome with grief and resolved to exact revenge. His primary goal was to track down the perpetrator and execute him.

On a Good Friday, John came across his brother's killer while riding through the town and pulled his sword to kill him. The man knelt and asked for forgiveness. John saw a vision of Christ on the Cross at this same moment, and after being deeply affected by the compassion displayed by Christ in forgiving His foes, he also followed suit.

He immediately went to a monastery and begged to join after this experience. He completely shaved off his hair as a show of his sincere desire. The abbot, who had been hesitant to allow John because he feared his powerful father's disapproval, agreed, and John spent a few years in the monastery before leaving to live a more lonely and rigorous life.

After learning that many of the orders he had considered joining were tainted by the widespread corruption that was occurring at the time in the Church, he came to the conclusion that God was calling him to create something new.

He established a little monastery dedicated to meditation, prayer, and the support of the needy and ill on a piece of property east of Florence known as Vallombrosa with monks who shared his commitment to a more austere and stringent adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict.

He was frequently consulted by popes and was well known for his humility, sanctity of living, and knowledge. He denied any office of privilege and all holy orders.

John died in 1073, at the age of 80, and was canonized in 1193. His feast day is celebrated on July 12, and he is the patron saint of forest workers, foresters, park rangers, and parks.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Epiphania
Saint Leo of Lucca
Saint John the Iberian
Saint Paulinus of Antioch
Saint Peter Khanh