Saint of the Day: St. Camillus de Lellis, Patron of the Sick

St. Camilus was born Bacchianico, Italy in 1550 and died in Rome, Italy in 1614. While still a youth, he became a soldier in the service of Venice and later of Naples, remaining there until 1574. He became addicted to gambling. He went to Rome and was employed in the hospital for incurables, of which he later was made director. After the failure of his plan to found an order of lay infirmarians, he decided to become a priest at the encouragement of St. Philip Neri, and was ordained in 1584. He established his order, the Fathers of a Good Death, for the care of the sick. Camillus was a strong and powerful man, about 6'6" tall, but suffered throughout his life from abscesses on his feet. In spite of this infirmity, he was active in organizing his order. The gift of miracles and prophecy has been attributed to him. He is the Patron of the sick, hospitals, and nurses. He is represented as being assisted by angels and before a crucifix, from which the Savior descends to embrace him. His relics are in the Church of Saint Mary Magdalen, Rome.

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  1. I was just lucky enough to find out the painting we were given over 18 years ago, was done by Saint Camillus de Lellis. Do you know where most of his paintings are now. thanks for information
    ametts@netscape.com

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