St. Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614) was born in Naples and became a rugged Venetian soldier following in his father’s footsteps. His mother, a gentle and faith-filled woman, died when he was twelve. Camillus was often found fighting and, although adept on the battlefield, he developed a variety of illnesses. In his youth, Camillus was addicted to gambling and, following the death of his father, was destitute. At 17, he began to suffer from leg abscesses which
continued throughout his life. He was then hired at San Giacomo Hospital for Incurables in Rome as a servant, where he also received treatment as a patient.
In 1574, he began working for the Capuchins at Manfredonia. Inspired by a homily, he entered the novitiate but was dismissed due to the incurable sore on his leg. When he later tried to join the Franciscans, Camillus was again dismissed due to his ailments. Then, he returned to San Giacomo Hospital as an infirmarian where his devotion to the sick attracted attention. St. Philip Neri became his spiritual director and encouraged Camillus to become a priest. He was ordained at the age of 34 and his strong desire for the nursing profession to be based more on Christian charity continued.
In 1582, when Camillus was striving to provide better health care for the sick, he met with resistance. He prayed before the crucifix located at the Church of Mary Magdalene in Rome and Jesus’ arm detached to comfort him. Our Lord said, “Take courage, faint-hearted one. Continue the work you have begun. I will be with you because it is my work.”
Those with similar aspirations began to follow him and he founded the Order of Ministers of the Sick. Camillus treated the poor and the sick like Christ Himself, saying, “The poor and the sick are the heart of God. In serving them, we serve Jesus the Christ. …We want to assist the sick with the same love that a mother has for her only sick child.” The Camellians vowed to “devote themselves to material and spiritual care of the sick and the needy,” particularly plague-victims, prisoners, and the sick in their homes. Some of their members also assisted those injured in battle. Despite his ailments, Camillus worked tirelessly for 46 years, founding mercy houses in various parts of Italy. During his final illness, Camillus left his sick bed to help other patients. St. Camillus is the patron of hospitals, nurses and the sick.
