14/07/2025
CAMILLUS DE LELLIS
Feast Day: July 14
Patron Saint of: The sick, hospitals, nurses, and healthcare workers
• Here's the catechism:
1. Who is St. Camillus de Lellis?
— St. Camillus de Lellis was a 16th-century Italian priest and founder of the Order of the Ministers of the Sick (Camillians), dedicated to caring for the sick and the dying. He is known for his deep compassion, tireless service to the ill, and personal conversion from a sinful life.
2. When and where was he born?
— He was born on May 25, 1550, in Bucchianico, Italy.
3. What was St. Camillus’ early life like?
— Camillus lost his mother at a young age and grew up in a rough environment. He became a soldier and lived a wayward life, struggling with gambling and pride. Eventually, after a wound on his leg refused to heal, he encountered God through suffering and humility.
4. How did he convert to a life of holiness?
— While receiving treatment at the San Giacomo hospital in Rome, Camillus was deeply moved by the neglect and mistreatment of the sick. Through the influence of a Capuchin friar and his own spiritual awakening, he turned away from sin and devoted his life to serving the sick.
5. What religious order did he found?
— He founded the Order of the Ministers of the Sick (also known as the Camillians) in 1582, which took the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and a unique fourth vow: to serve the sick, even at the risk of their own lives.
6. What makes the Camillian ministry unique?
— The Camillians were revolutionary in their time because they emphasized loving care, dignity, and spiritual support for the sick. They often assisted during plagues and wars, putting their own lives in danger out of love for Christ.
7. Was St. Camillus a priest?
— Yes. He was ordained a priest in 1584 and used his ministry not only to serve the sick but also to reform hospital care throughout Italy.
8. What miracles or heroic virtues is he known for?
— St. Camillus is known for many miracles during his life and after death. He was often seen as a "giant of charity," and his prophetic and healing gifts were recognized even by his contemporaries.
9. When did he die?
— He died on July 14, 1614, in Rome.
10. When was he canonized?
— St. Camillus was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746.
11. Why is he the patron of the sick and healthcare workers?
— Because of his extraordinary care for the sick, his personal suffering, and his example of compassionate service, the Church designated him as patron of all those who care for the ill — especially nurses, doctors, and hospital workers.
12. What can we learn from St. Camillus today?
— From St. Camillus, we learn the value of compassionate service, the dignity of human suffering, and the transforming power of God's grace. He reminds us that even the wounded can become healers, and that true charity is seen in how we treat the least, the sick, and the dying.
