As July closes we should pause to remember the life of
a Centurion whose memorial falls on 14 July.
In the sick he saw the person of Christ. His reverence
in their presence was as a great as if he were really
and truly in the presence of his Lord.
Son of a military officer who had served both for
Naples and France. His mother died when he was very
young. Spent his youth as a soldier, fighting for the
Venetians against the Turks, and then for Naples.
Reported as a large individual, perhaps as tall as
6'6", and powerfully built, but suffered all his life
from abscesses on his feet. A gambling addict, he lost
so much he had to take a job working construction on a
building belonging to the Capuchins; they converted
him.
He entered the Capuchin noviate three times, but a
nagging leg injury, received while fighting the Turks,
each time forced him to give up. He went to Rome for
medical treatment where Saint Philip Neri became his
priest and confessor. He moved into San Giacomo
Hospital for the incurable, and eventually became its
administrator. Lacking education, he began to study
with children when he was 32 years old. Priest.
Founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick
(the Camellians) who, naturally, care for the sick
both in hospital and home. The order expanded with
houses in several countries. Camillus honored the sick
as living images of Christ, and hoped that the service
he gave them did penance for his wayward youth.
Reported to have the gifts of miraculous healing and
prophecy.
Source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintc09.htm
We are adding Camillus to the Order's pages.
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Mark S. Carroll
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