Joao Teixeira da Faria is said to have been born on June 24, 1942 in a small village in central Brazil. Joao’s father was a tailor, and despite his efforts working as a tailor, Joao and his family were often faced with hunger and poverty. As a child young Joao often displayed clairvoyant abilities. Because of his innate rebellion, Joao’s formal education was cut short after only two years. Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise that allowed Joao to develop in such a way to better serve the destiny that lay before him. It was not until Joao was a teenager that his spirituality blossomed forth and transformed his life forever.

At age sixteen Joao traveled to Campo Grande to begin a job as a tailor. For unknown reasons, the job was terminated its first day. With the reality of hunger and poverty staring Joao in the face, he was filled with despair. A nearby creek enticed him to plunge in to momentarily refresh himself and wash away his anxieties. Then suddenly, he heard a voice call his name. He was astonished to see a beautiful, fair-haired woman standing in the shade of a tree. She beckoned him to sit near her, and they spoke for many hours. Later that night Joao realized she was Saint Rita of Cassia. With many questions still unanswered, he returned to the same spot the next morning hoping to speak to the beautiful woman. A beam of light sparkled in the place where she had stood and her voice then emerged from the light. She instructed him to go to a Spiritist center in town where the people there were expecting him. Not understanding the meaning of this, he nonetheless did what he was told.

Upon arriving at the church, he was greeted by the members who were indeed expecting him! Then Joao lost consciousness. Upon waking a few hours later, Joao apologized for passing out and explained it was due to hunger. To Joao’s surprise, a senior member told him he had not merely passed out but that he had incorporated the spirit of King Solomon. He went on to say that in those three hours that Joao could not remember, Joao had healed many people and performed amazing surgeries. Joao naturally thought this was a mistake. But after Joao was served a good meal and more discussion took place, Joao began to reflect on the possibility that this could be true. Thus began the spiritual career of Joao de Deus, (John of God) as he is affectionately known, whose healings have benefited thousands if not millions of people from around the world.

For more information about the life and work of Joao de Deus, the following books are in English:
The Miracle Man of Brazil: The Life Story of Joao de Deus
by Robert Pellegrino-Estrich
The Book of Miracles: The Healing Work of Joao de Deus
by Josie RavenWing
Spiritual Alliances: Discovering the Roots of Health at the Casa de Dom Inacio by Emma Bragdon, Ph.D.