Camillus de Lellis

On July 18, 2025, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis, a significant figure in the history of Catholic healthcare, known for his profound compassion for the sick and the founding of the Camillians, a religious order dedicated to the care of the ill. As this feast falls within the Time after Pentecost, it invites us to reflect on the ongoing mission of the Church to live out the love of Christ, particularly as we are called to serve those in need, paralleling the mission of St. Camillus who dedicated his life to the care of the marginalized and suffering.

The day's readings beautifully underscore the theme of love and service, urging families to reflect on the commandment given by Jesus to love one another as He has loved us. The Gospel reading from John reinforces the sacrificial nature of true friendship and love, while the Epistle from St. John reminds us that love is the mark of a true Christian. In the context of the Time after Pentecost, families are encouraged to contemplate how they can embody this love in their daily lives, especially through acts of kindness and service, thus continuing the mission of St. Camillus within their own homes and communities. As they pray and gather for the Mass, families can find inspiration in the Collect prayer, asking for the grace to be cleansed from sin and to remain vigilant against the distractions of the world, fostering a spirit of unity and charity in their relationships.

Saint Camillus de Lellis: A Life of Compassion and Service

1. Brief Historical Background and Life Story: Saint Camillus de Lellis was born on May 25, 1550, in what is now Italy. After a turbulent youth spent in military service and facing personal struggles, including a deep-seated addiction, he experienced a profound conversion at the age of 25. This transformation led him to dedicate his life to serving the sick and founding the Order of Clerks Regular Ministers to the Sick, known as the Camillians.

2. Their Main Virtues and Spiritual Contributions: St. Camillus was renowned for his extraordinary compassion, selflessness, and commitment to the dignity of every person, especially the sick and suffering. His deep faith inspired innovative approaches to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of both physical and spiritual healing, which laid the groundwork for modern nursing.

3. Why They Were Canonized and Their Significance to the Church: Canonized in 1746, St. Camillus was recognized for his unwavering dedication to the care of the ill and his significant contributions to the development of health care. He was declared the patron saint of the sick and healthcare workers, serving as a beacon of hope and love in times of illness and suffering.

4. How Catholic Families Today Can Learn from Their Example: Families today can draw inspiration from St. Camillus by embracing a spirit of service and compassion in their own lives. By caring for one another, seeking to understand and alleviate suffering, and supporting healthcare workers in their vital mission, families can embody the love that St. Camillus exemplified.

5. A Brief Closing Prayer for Their Intercession: Dear St. Camillus, intercede for us that we may embody your spirit of compassion and service in our families and communities. Help us to care for the sick and vulnerable with the same love you showed in your life. Amen.

As we celebrate the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis, the readings from John’s Gospel and the First Letter of John invite us to deeply reflect on the call to love and serve one another. In John 15:12-16, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us, a love so profound that it leads to the ultimate sacrifice. This aligns beautifully with the teaching of the Church found in the Catechism, which emphasizes that love is the heart of Christian life. According to CCC 1823, “The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy.” This reminds us that when we love genuinely, we experience the joy that comes from selflessness and service, much like St. Camillus who dedicated his life to caring for the sick and marginalized.

The Epistle from 1 John 3:13-18 reinforces this message by urging us to put our love into action, stating that we must not only love in words but also through our deeds. The Catechism echoes this sentiment in CCC 2443, which teaches that “The Church’s love for the poor... is a part of her constant tradition.” This is a call for families to examine how they live out this love in their daily lives, particularly in their relationships with one another and the community. It encourages families to engage in acts of kindness, whether through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being present for one another in times of need.

For practical application, families can take time this week to identify ways they can serve one another and their community, reflecting the love Christ has shown us. This could involve setting aside a family night for prayer and discussion about acts of charity, or planning a service project together. By doing so, they not only honor St. Camillus but also fulfill Jesus’ commandment to love, creating a home environment rooted in mutual support and compassion. Let us remember that in loving one another, we are living out our faith and embodying the teachings of the Church, thus building a stronger, more loving community together.