To mark 400 years since the passing of St. Camillus, during the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis said a few words to honor the man who founded the Order.
POPE FRANCIS
'I invite the Camillian family, as we celebrate this jubilee year, to be a sign of the Lord, who just like the Good Samaritan, leans over the wounds of the body and spirit. Pouring the oil of consolation and the wine of hope over them.â?
As a young adult, Camillus de Lellis loved to gamble and do everything in excess. But that all changed when he was hospitalized with a serious leg injury. He noticed patients weren't treated well. This inspired him to leave his old life behind. Focusing instead, on helping the sick. He eventually founded the Camillian Order.
Now, its members have a presence in over 40 countries, helping patients in hospitals and clinics all over the world.
To celebrate his life and commemorate 400 since his passing, the site where the Saint lived his last days, will be open to the public during the month of July. The so called Il Cubiculum, is the nursing home of Magdalena, where the founder of the Order died. Even his heart is preserved here, as a relic.
In that very site where he spent his last days, there's also a letter he personally wrote on display, just a few days before passing away.
To mark this key anniversary and to honor his work in helping the poor and abandoned, a prayer vigil was held on July 14th at 9.30pm...the very day and hour he died 400 years ago.
YJA/KLH
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JM
-PR
Up: YJA
