St. Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614) is a saint celebrated for his extraordinary dedication to the care of the sick and the establishment of the Camillians, a religious order dedicated to this cause.
Early Life
Camillus was born on May 25, 1550, in Bucchianico, Italy. His mother died when he was young, and his father, an officer in both the Neapolitan and French armies, neglected him. As a result, Camillus grew up with little discipline and soon became a soldier himself. His early life was marked by gambling and a lack of direction.
Conversion
In 1574, after losing all his possessions to gambling, Camillus sought work at a Capuchin friary. During his time there, he experienced a profound conversion. Inspired by the friars’ piety, he decided to dedicate his life to God. He tried to join the Capuchins but was turned away due to a chronic leg wound he had sustained while in the military.
Service to the Sick
Camillus moved to Rome in 1575 and worked at the San Giacomo Hospital for Incurables. His leg wound reappeared, but it did not deter him from serving the sick. In 1582, he founded the Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers to the Sick, known as the Camillians. The order was dedicated to caring for the sick, especially those with contagious diseases. Camillus and his companions took a fourth vow—to serve the sick, even at the risk of their own lives.
Growth of the Order
The Camillians quickly gained a reputation for their selfless service and were often called to aid in plagues and other outbreaks. In 1591, Pope Gregory XIV approved the order, recognizing its valuable contribution to the care of the sick and needy.
Later Life and Death
Despite continuous health problems, including the recurrence of his leg wound, Camillus remained dedicated to his mission. He expanded his order’s work to various cities and continued to personally care for the sick and dying. He died on July 14, 1614, in Rome. His last words reportedly were, “May the blessed Christ be praised, and may His Mother be always invoked!”
Canonization and Legacy
St. Camillus was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 and canonized by the same pope in 1746. He is the patron saint of the sick, hospitals, nurses, and physicians. His feast day is celebrated on July 14.
St. Camillus de Lellis’ legacy continues through the Camillians, who still operate hospitals and care facilities around the world. His life exemplifies Christian charity and the call to serve others, particularly those in the most desperate need.
Reflection
The life of St. Camillus de Lellis teaches us the profound impact of personal conversion and the transformative power of dedicating oneself to the service of others. His example encourages Christians to find Christ in the sick and suffering and to serve them with compassion and love.