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St. Camillus de Lellis

St. Camillus de Lellis—a remarkable soul whose life journey took unexpected turns, leading him from the battlefield to the bedside of the sick. Let’s delve into his inspiring story! 🌟🏥

• Early Life and Unlikely Beginnings:
  • Born on May 25, 1550, in Bucchianico (which was part of the Kingdom of Naples, now in Italy), Camillus de Lellis entered this world with a twist of fate. His mother, Camilla Compelli de Laureto, was nearly fifty when she gave birth to him. His father, an officer in both the Neapolitan and French royal armies, was often away, leaving young Camillus to navigate life with a fiery temperament.
  • Imagine a spirited boy, tall for his age, accompanying his father from one military camp to another. At sixteen, he even fought in a war against the Turks. But life had more surprises in store for him.
• From Soldier to Healer:
  • After years of military service, Camillus found himself wounded and in need of care. He sought refuge in Rome’s San Giacomo Hospital, but his quarrelsome attitude got him expelled. His leg wound, a stubborn companion, refused to heal.
  • Down on his luck and having gambled away all his possessions, Camillus took work as a laborer at a Capuchin friary. The guardian there saw beyond his rough exterior and tried to draw out the better side of his nature. 🌿
  • Eventually, Camillus had a religious conversion in 1575. His heart softened, and he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin friars. But alas, his leg wound persisted, and the physicians deemed it incurable. Denied admission to that Order, he moved to Rome.
• Caregiver and Founder:
  • Back at San Giacomo degli Incurabili, Camillus became a caregiver, tending to the sick. His compassion and dedication shone through, and he eventually became the Superintendent of the hospital.
  • But Camillus dreamed of more—a mission beyond the walls of that hospital. In 1584, he founded the Camillians, a religious order dedicated to caring for the sick. These “Ministers of the Sick” would follow in his footsteps, bringing healing and hope to those in need.
• Patronage and Canonization:
  • St. Camillus de Lellis became the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. His legacy extended far beyond his own lifetime.
  • Beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 and canonized in 1746, Camillus left an enduring mark. His feast day is celebrated on July 14.
  • And here’s a little secret: His assistance is also invoked against gambling. Perhaps he watches over card games with a knowing smile! ♣️🙏

So, next time you step into a hospital or encounter a nurse’s caring touch, remember St. Camillus—the soldier turned healer, the quarrelsome heart transformed by compassion. 🌹✨

¹: Wikipedia ²: Britannica ³: Catholic News Agency

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