St. Camillus de Lellis

St. Camillus de Lellis was born in Bucchianico, Italy, on May 25, 1550. His early life was marked by hardship, losing his mother at a young age and being left in the care of distant relatives. As a teenager, he followed his father into military service, where he developed a passion for gambling, which led to a life of recklessness. However, a severe leg wound altered his path, forcing him to seek medical care at San Giacomo Hospital in Rome. His experience in the hospital exposed him to the suffering of the sick, igniting in him a deep sense of compassion. With the guidance of St. Philip Neri, he underwent a profound spiritual conversion and dedicated his life to serving the sick. He founded the Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians), which became known for their commitment to hospital care. Despite his own chronic illness, he tirelessly worked to reform hospital conditions and personally attended to the dying. St. Camillus died in Rome on July 14, 1614, and was canonized in 1746. Today, he is revered as the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, and the sick.

Early Life and Military Service

St. Camillus de Lellis was born on May 25, 1550, in Bucchianico, a small town in the Abruzzo region of Italy. His mother, Camilla Compelli de Laureto, gave birth to him at an advanced age, and his father, an officer in the Neapolitan and French armies, was frequently absent due to military campaigns. Growing up without much parental guidance, young Camillus developed a fiery temperament and a love for adventure. After losing his mother at the age of 12, he was taken in by relatives who struggled to discipline him. By 16, he joined his father in military service, fighting in a war against the Turks.

Gambling and Downfall

As a soldier, Camillus developed a severe gambling addiction, which often left him in financial ruin. His reckless lifestyle led to repeated troubles, and after years of military service, he found himself impoverished and alone. In 1575, his regiment was disbanded, and he sought medical treatment for a persistent leg wound at the San Giacomo Hospital in Rome. However, his aggressive behavior led to his expulsion from the hospital. With nowhere to turn, he found work as a servant at a Capuchin friary in Manfredonia.

Despite his initial resistance, the friars' kindness and spiritual teachings deeply impacted him. A monk at the friary persistently encouraged him to change his ways, and in 1575, Camillus experienced a profound religious conversion. He abandoned gambling, embraced a life of penance, and sought to join the Capuchins. However, his chronic leg wound made him ineligible for admission.

Formation of the Camillian Order

Determined to serve others despite his physical affliction, Camillus returned to San Giacomo Hospital in Rome, where he became a caregiver and later the superintendent. As he observed the neglect and mistreatment of the sick, he was moved to take action. With the guidance of St. Philip Neri, he gathered a group of like-minded men to assist in the care of patients. He recognized the need for a dedicated religious order to provide compassionate medical care.

With the encouragement of Pope Sixtus V, Camillus founded the Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians) in 1586. The members of the order took an additional vow—to serve the sick even at the risk of their own lives. They adopted a red cross as their emblem, symbolizing their devotion to the suffering. This emblem later became associated with humanitarian aid worldwide.

Expansion of His Mission

Camillus and his followers extended their mission beyond hospitals to battlefields and plague-ridden cities. They provided care to soldiers and civilians affected by disease outbreaks. In 1591, Pope Gregory XV elevated the order to the status of a full religious congregation. The Camillians established hospitals across Italy, Spain, and Hungary, becoming pioneers in modern healthcare.

One of the most notable moments in the order’s history occurred during the Battle of Canizza in 1601. While treating wounded soldiers, a fire engulfed their tent, destroying everything except the red cross of their religious habit. The Camillians saw this as a sign of divine approval.

Personal Struggles and Death

Throughout his life, Camillus suffered greatly from his leg wound. Despite his illness, he continued to serve the sick, often crawling on the floor when he was unable to walk. His health deteriorated further in his later years, but he refused to be cared for, insisting that all attention be given to the sick. In 1607, he resigned as Superior General of the Camillians but continued to serve as Vicar General.

In 1613, despite his frailty, he traveled to inspect hospitals across Italy. During this journey, his condition worsened, and he returned to Rome, where he passed away on July 14, 1614. His body was interred in the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Rome, where it remains today.

Canonization and Legacy

Camillus was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 and canonized in 1746. He was later declared the patron saint of hospitals and the sick by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. In 1930, Pope Pius XI also named him the co-patron of nurses.

The Camillian Order continues his legacy, operating hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide. His feast day is celebrated on July 14, though in the United States, it is observed on July 18 due to a scheduling conflict with St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Feast Day

14-7-1746

Birth Date

25-5-1550

Died Date

14-7-1614

Canonised Date

--1746

Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Rome, Italy

Saint Camillus, you dedicated your life to caring for the sick and the suffering. Through your compassion and love, you became a true servant of the Lord. Intercede for us that we may have the same zeal and selfless service to those in need. Help us to live with kindness, humility, and generosity, and grant healing to those who are ill. We ask for your prayers and guidance, that we may follow your example in serving God and others. Amen.
ST. CAMILLUS DE LELLIS

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ST. CAMILLUS DE LELLIS

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