MEMORIAL: JULY 18
St. Camilus was born in Italy in the 16th century. As a young man, he developed a leg disease that left him with pain for the rest of his life. He also developed a gambling problem that caused him to lose everything by the age of 24. It was then that he began to work for the Capuchins of Rome and had a conversion experience in their care. He desired to join them, however, he was refused twice. He then turned for care of the sick at St. Giacomo Hospital in Rome and became director of the hospital. At the urging of his confessor St. Phillip Neri, he was ordained a priest and founded a congregation called the Ministers of the Sick (Camillians). He spent his life in care for the sick both in hospitals and on the battlefield treating wounded soldiers and those with the plague alike. His order grew, but Camillus became very sick and died. Yet, even in the last stages of his sickness, he was dedicated to serving his sick brothers and sisters. St. Camillus is the patron saint of the sick and nursing people.
