Camillus de Lellis
Born at Bacchianico, Naples, 1550;
Patronages
According to Catholic tradition, as recorded in the sources cited for each patronage:
Nurses
- Holy See: Ai religiosi «Fatebenefratelli» e ai «Camilliani» (7 maggio 1987), consulted October 4, 2026
Also recorded as patron:
The sick
Recorded as patron of the sick in:
Feast day
- July 14 · General Roman Calendar
From Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913, “St. Camillus de Lellis”
died at Rome, 14 July, 1614.
He was the son of an officer who had served both in the Neapolitan and French armies.
His mother died when he was a child, and he grew up absolutely neglected.
When still a youth he became a soldier in the service of Venice and afterwards of Naples, until 1574, when his regiment was disbanded.
While in the service he became a confirmed gambler, and in consequence of his losses at play was at times reduced to a condition of destitution.
The kindness of a Franciscan friar induced him to apply for admission to that order, but he was refused.
He then betook himself to Rome, where he obtained employment in the Hospital for Incurables.
Prayer from The Raccolta, 1910, no. 348
GLORIOUS St Camillus, special protector of poor sick people, who for forty years, with a charity truly heroic, didst devote thyself to alleviating their spiritual and corporal miseries; be pleased to succour them still more generously, now that thou art happy in Heaven and that they have been confided by the Church to thy powerful protection. Obtain for them from GOD either that they may be healed of the evils from which they are suffering, or that by patience and Christian resignation they may be sanctified and strengthened in the hour of their death; and obtain also for us the grace to live and die, after thy example, in the practice of divine love. Amen.
Works of art
