History & Biographies

St. Camillus de Lellis: The Patron Saint of Hospitals and the Sick

Priest 
•Feast day: July 14 
•1550-1614 

Early Life and Military Career

St. Camillus de Lellis, born in Chieti, Italy, in May 25, 1550, is renowned as the Patron Saint of Hospitals, the Sick, Nurses, and Physicians. His early life was marked by turbulence and vice. After his mother’s early death and his father’s absence due to military service, Camillus joined the army at a young age. His military career, however, was marred by a reckless lifestyle, particularly gambling, which eventually led to his downfall. By the age of 25, Camillus had lost everything and was forced to seek employment at the Capuchin Convent of Manfredonia.

Transformation and Dedication to God

While working at the convent, the moving exhortations of the Father Guardian profoundly impacted Camillus. This encounter marked the beginning of his spiritual transformation. Despite his newfound devotion, Camillus was not accepted into the Capuchin order due to a persistent leg disease. Undeterred, he traveled to Rome and sought refuge at the Hospital of San Giacomo, a place notorious for its horrific conditions. At San Giacomo, patients often suffered neglect and even the terrifying fate of being buried alive.

Service and Formation of the Camillians

Camillus’s deep compassion and exceptional service to the sick earned him the position of general superintendent at the hospital. His commitment to the care of the afflicted led him to ordination, after which he founded the “Clerics Regular, Ministers to the Sick,” commonly known as the Camillians. The members of this congregation took a unique vow: to serve the sick with the same love and devotion as if they were serving Christ himself. Camillus’s famous words to his followers were, “If there were no poor people in the world, we should have to go below the earth to look for them and rescue them!”

Acts of Heroism and Martyrdom

In 1588, demonstrating their fearless dedication, some Camillians boarded infected ships docked outside the harbor of Naples. These ships were plagued by pestilence, and tragically, two of the Camillians succumbed to the disease. Their sacrifice marked them as the first martyrs of the congregation.

Legacy and Canonization

St. Camillus de Lellis passed away in Rome on July 14, 1614. His legacy of compassion and selfless service to the sick left an indelible mark on the Church and the world. Recognizing his profound impact, Pope Leo XIII declared St. Camillus the Patron of the Sick, Hospitals, Nurses, and Physicians. His canonization by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746 further solidified his status as a revered figure in the Catholic Church.

St. Camillus’s life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the profound impact of serving others. His story continues to inspire countless individuals dedicated to healthcare and the compassionate treatment of the sick. As we remember St. Camillus on his feast day, July 14, let us honor his legacy by emulating his spirit of love and devotion to those in need.