Saint Camillus de Lellis

St. Camillus lived a very challenging yet beautiful life. When he was very young his mother had died when he was a child, also when he was young his father had neglected him, and as he grew up he grew an excessive love for gambling. Around the age 17, he was afflicted with a very bad disease in his leg that had remained with him for his entire life. While in Rome St. Camillus entered the San Giacomo Hospital for Incurables as both patient and as servant, but was dismissed after nine months. He later decided to serve in the Venetian army for three years.

Then during the winter of the year 1574, when he was around the age of 24, St. Camillus had gambled away everything he had including his savings, his weapons, and everything literally down to his shirt. Due to his situation St. Camillus had accepted the work at the Capuchin friary at Manfredonia that was offered to him, and one day he was very moved by a sermon of the superior that he decided to begin a conversion that had changed his life. St. Camillus had entered the Capuchin novitiate, but was dismissed because of the apparently incurable sore on his leg. After another stint of service at San Giacomo, he came back to the Capuchins, only to be dismissed once again, for the exact same reason.

Again, after he had gone back to San Giacomo, his dedication was rewarded by him being made superintendent. St. Camillus was later devoted the rest of his life to the care of the sick. St. Camillus along with St. John of God has been named patron of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. With the advice of his friend St. Philip Neri, he decided to study for the priesthood and he was later ordained at the age of 34. Contrary to the advice of his friend, St. Camillus decided to leave San Giacomo and he founded a congregation of his own. As superior, he devoted much of his own time to the care of the sick.

Charity was St. Camillus’ first concern, but the many physical aspects of the hospital had also received his diligent attention. St. Camillus insisted on cleanliness and the technical competence of those who had served the sick. The many members of his community bound themselves to serve prisoners and persons who had been infected by the plague as well as those who were dying in private homes. Some of his men were with troops who were fighting in Hungary and Croatia during the year 1595, forming the first recorded military field ambulance. In Naples, he and his men went onto the galleys that had been hit by the plague and were not allowed to land. St. Camillus later discovered that there were many people who were being buried alive, and he had ordered his brothers to continue the prayers for the dying 15 minutes after apparent death.

St. Camillus himself had suffered the disease that was in his leg through his life. During his last illness, he had left his own bed to see if other patients in the hospital needed help.

St. Camillus’ feast day is celebrated on July 18. St. Camillus is the patron saint of healthcare workers, the sick and hospitals.

Prayer to St. Camillus

St. Camillus you gave up your life and dedicated your time and care to aiding the poor, the sick and the vulnerable. We pray that you may help us and the many healthcare workers to serve the poor and vulnerable in our community. We pray that you may keep all the healthcare workers healthy and strong and help them to be protected from all harm and danger.

Amen

St. Camillus pray for us

St. Joseph pray for us

May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.

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Works cited:

Information (read from, not taken):

Franciscan media. “Saint Camillus de Lellis. ”Saint Camillus de Lellis | Franciscan Media. Accessed July 18, 2021.

Images:

Saint Camillus de Lellis. July 18, 2021.Saint Camillus de Lellis - Google Search.