Hi, Jim -
I don't know of the St. John of God Order. If you have factual information about it, please let us know about it.

I do know about the Legionaries of Christ an order founded by Macial Maciel, a child molester who basked in the favor of Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Ratzinger knew what he was up to, and banished him as soon as he became Pope Benedict XVI. The bishop of my Sacramento diocese welcomed the Legionaries, and they started a seminary for 12-year-old boys about 5 miles from my home. The seminary closed when Maciel was banished, apparently before any 12-yr-old boys were molested.

That same bishop named John Corapi Chief of Doctrine in our diocese, and this was a very dangerous man. He was very popular and developed a "following." I wrote a letter to the editor of the diocesan newspaper, complaining about Corapi. I was castigated for my letter for months afterwards. I felt really good years later, when Corapi left the priesthood in disgrace.

Weirdos like Corapi and the Legionaries arise occasionally in the Catholic Church, and they occasionally find favor with local bishops. I'm sure they're very much like your St. John of God people, Jim. I've felt an obligation to oppose such people with all the fervor I can muster. They embarrass the hell out of me.

-Joe-