This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
Saint Camillus of Lellis is revered as the patron saint of the sick, nurses, and hospitals, known for founding the Camillians and revolutionizing compassionate care for the ailing.
Saint Camillus of Lellis (1550-1614) was an Italian priest who, after a dissolute early life as a soldier and gambler, experienced a profound conversion and dedicated himself to the care of the sick. Witnessing the deplorable conditions in hospitals, he founded the Order of the Clerics Regular Ministers of the Sick, or Camillians, in 1582, whose members committed themselves to serving the ill with paternal love, even at risk to their own lives. He is celebrated for transforming nursing and hospital practices by emphasizing hygiene, humane treatment, and spiritual comfort for patients, thereby profoundly influencing the development of modern healthcare and becoming the patron saint of the sick, nurses, and hospitals.
Born in Bucchianico, Abruzzo, Kingdom of Naples, in 1550, Camillus de Lellis had an inauspicious start to life. His mother died when he was young, and his father, a mercenary captain, paid little attention to his upbringing. Camillus himself adopted the life of a soldier, serving in the Venetian army against the Turks and later in the Neapolitan forces. During this period, he became notorious for his gambling addiction, often losing everything he owned, and developed a chronic leg wound that would plague him for the rest of his life. It was during a period of destitution and deep despair, after losing all his possessions in gambling, that he encountered a Capuchin friar in Manfredonia on February 2, 1575. This encounter proved to be the turning point: the friar's words and example led Camillus to a profound spiritual conversion, prompting him to abandon his former life and seek a path of penance and service.
It was a time of immense challenge for Saint Camillus. He had gathered a small band of companions, few in number and often lacking in resources, yet their mission was monumental: to serve the sick with a love and dedication previously unseen in the hospitals of Rome. The burden was heavy, the work grueling, and the opposition from those who resisted his radical approach to compassionate care was constant. One day, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of suffering and the difficulties of sustaining his fledgling community, Camillus knelt before a crucifix in the small chapel of the Hospital of San Giacomo. His heart was heavy with worry, and he poured out his anxieties to the Lord, perhaps even questioning if his efforts were truly pleasing to God amidst such trials.
As he prayed, a miraculous event unfolded. The figure of Christ on the crucifix, usually still and silent, seemed to come alive. From the lips of the crucified Savior, a voice, gentle yet firm, spoke directly to Camillus. "Fear not, My son," the voice resounded, "for I am here, and I will help you. This work is not yours, but Mine." The words filled Camillus with an indescribable peace and renewed vigor. It was a divine affirmation, a direct sign that his arduous labor of love for the sick was indeed God's own work, and that the Lord Himself was present in every suffering patient they served. This profound encounter removed all doubt from Camillus's heart and strengthened his resolve to continue his mission, knowing that Christ Himself walked beside him in the hospital wards, ministering to the ailing through his hands and the hands of his brothers.
1908
St. Camillus de Lellis, born at Bucchianico, in the Diocese of Chieti, Italy, 25 May, 1550; died at Rome, 14 July, 1614. His mother died when he was a child, and his father, a captain in the Neapolitan and afterwards in the French army, neglected his education. The boy grew up without instruction, rude and boisterous, though of a tender and generous heart. At seventeen years of age he joined his father's company, and served as a soldier in the Venetian army against the Turks, and later in the Neapolitan forces. He was addicted to gambling, and so desperate was his passion that he often lost everything he possessed, even his arms and clothing. A chronic ulcer in his leg, which remained with him all his life, forced him to enter the Hospital of St. Giacomo at Rome, where he was employed in menial work. Dismissed on account of his quarrelsome disposition, he again became a soldier. One day, after losing all he had at cards, he turned his steps towards Manfredonia, where he hoped to find employment with the Capuchin Fathers. On the road, on 2 February, 1575, he was converted by a Capuchin friar, and resolved to give himself to God. He made a general confession and applied for admission into the Capuchin Order, but was refused on account of his infirmity. He then returned to the Hospital of St. Giacomo, where he was appointed superintendent. The deplorable conditions of the hospital, the wretched plight of the patients, and the utter lack of proper care filled him with pity, and he began to devote himself with untiring zeal to the service of the sick. Many others were touched by his example, and soon a number of pious men gathered round him, ready to assist him in his work. These were the first companions of St. Camillus, the first members of the Order of the Servants of the Sick, or Camillians, as they are now called. They began to live as a community in the hospital itself. The saint had to overcome many difficulties, and suffered much opposition even from his own companions. At the advice of his spiritual director, St. Philip Neri, he began his theological studies, and was ordained priest in 1584. In the following year, the new congregation obtained the approval of Gregory XIII. The members devoted themselves to the service of the sick in hospitals, in private houses, and on the battlefield. Their services during the plague at Rome, Genoa, and Naples, and on board the galleys, were beyond all praise. The saint himself was indefatigable in his work of charity. He ministered to the sick with the tenderest care, and often miraculously cured them by his prayers. He resigned the generalship of his order in 1607, but continued to serve the sick until his death. He was beatified in 1742 by Benedict XIV, and canonized in 1746 by the same pope. His feast is celebrated on 14 July. He is the patron of the sick, of hospitals, and of nurses.
Many Catholic parishes and healthcare institutions worldwide celebrate special Masses and offer prayers for the sick and for all healthcare professionals on Saint Camillus's feast day, often including a blessing of the sick.
Saint Camillus is the patron saint of the sick, nurses, and hospitals, and dedicated his life to compassionate care for the infirm, emphasizing both physical and spiritual healing.
Pious individuals and communities often undertake novenas (nine days of prayer) leading up to July 18th, seeking Saint Camillus's intercession for healing, for those suffering from illness, or for those involved in healthcare professions.
His powerful intercession for the sick and his role as a model of charity in ministering to the suffering are central to his veneration.
Members of the Order of Clerics Regular Ministers of the Sick (Camillians) and their associated lay fraternities hold solemn celebrations, including special liturgies and community gatherings, in their houses and hospitals worldwide, reaffirming their fourth vow of perpetual service to the sick.
He is the revered founder of their religious order, and his feast day is a primary celebration for all who follow his charism of service to the sick.
In towns and regions historically significant to Saint Camillus, particularly in Italy (e.g., Bucchianico, Rome), local churches and communities may organize processions, special blessings, and civic celebrations honoring him, often involving the sick and medical personnel.
These locations are significant to his birthplace, his spiritual conversion, and the primary centers of his ministry and the founding of his religious order.