In 1550, a boy named Camillus was born in Italy to an army captain. After his mother died and his father ignored him, Camillus joined the military and fought in several wars. By the age of 17, he developed a violent temper, a severe gambling problem, and a wound on his leg that never fully healed. By 24 he was picking fights and gambled away everything he had, even his boots. One day while working as a construction worker at a Capuchin friary, he overheard a sermon, and everything changed. After three failed attempts at joining the Capuchins, St. Phillip Neri guided him toward the priesthood. Fr. Camillus started a congregation devoted to tending the sick, and until his death, he kept fighting… to ensure all hospital patients were given good treatment.
CHALLENGE
The congregation St. Camillus de Lellis started wore black cloaks with red crosses on them. The red cross has become the universal symbol of medical care recognized around the world, and today the Order of St. Camillus serves in 42 countries. Patients in hospitals need spiritual and emotional care as much as physical care. Today, contact your diocese to get in touch with a hospital chaplain and ask how you can help them.
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The end of life is a difficult time, and the Catholic Church has a rich history of teachings and traditions to help people have a holy death, as well as grieve and pray for those who have departed from this world. Passing Time is a rich resource on the topics of suffering, death, and Purgatory, compiled from a variety of classical Catholic texts. Buy your copy today.
