Saint Camillus of Lellis

Biography

Saint Camillus of Lellis, also known as Camillus de Lellis or Camillo de Lellis, was born on May 25, 1550, in Bucchianico, Abruzzi, in the kingdom of Naples, Italy. He was the son of a military officer who had served for both Naples and France. Unfortunately, Camillus lost his mother at a very young age. During his youth, Camillus served as a soldier, fighting for the Venetians against the Turks, and later for Naples. He was known for his large stature, perhaps standing as tall as 6'6" (2 meters), and his strong build. However, he suffered from abscesses on his feet throughout his life. Camillus developed a gambling addiction and ended up losing a significant amount of money. As a result, he had to take a job working on a construction project owned by the Capuchin order. It was during this time that he was introduced to the religious life, and the Capuchins played a crucial role in his conversion. Camillus attempted to enter the Capuchin novitiate three times but was forced to give it up each time due to a nagging leg injury he had sustained while fighting the Turks. Seeking medical treatment, he went to Rome, Italy, where he became acquainted with Saint Philip Neri, who became his priest and confessor. Eventually, Camillus moved into San Giacomo Hospital for the incurable and took up an administrative role there. Despite lacking formal education, Camillus began studying with children when he was 32 years old. He felt a calling to serve the sick and founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick, also known as the Camillians or Fathers of a Good Death. The congregation focused on caring for the sick both in hospitals and in their homes. The order expanded to establish houses in several countries. Camillus held great reverence for the sick, considering them as living images of Christ. He believed that his service to the sick was a form of penance for his wayward youth. Additionally, he was reported to possess the gifts of miraculous healing and prophecy. Saint Camillus of Lellis passed away on July 14, 1614, in Genoa, Italy, of natural causes. He was beatified on April 7, 1742, by Pope Benedict XIV and canonized on June 29, 1746, also by Pope Benedict XIV. He is the patron saint of Abruzzi, Italy; against bodily ills, illness, and sickness; hospitals; hospital workers; nurses; and sick people (as proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII on June 22, 1886). His feast day is celebrated on July 14, and in the United States, a secondary feast day is observed on July 18.