St Camillus - 14th July

The Church’s ministry to the sick has always been one of the signs that it continues Jesus’ work of care and healing. Many of the saints have been remembered for their devotion to those plagued by all sorts of illness and disease. The saint we celebrate on Wednesday deserves to be better known for his work.
St. Camillus was born in the Abruzzi region of Italy in 1550. His early life was far from exemplary -he was so addicted to gambling that he was reduced to working as a labourer. But after hearing the word of God powerfully preached one day, he began to reform his entire life. His own sickness - a disease of the leg - precluded him from joining one of the religious orders but he eventually founded his own devoted to the care of the sick and incurable. His love for the sick was practical too and the early advances in medical care being made during his life were quickly adopted by Camillus.
Camillus’ life shows us yet again that God can turn setbacks, failures, and character traits into good if we are prepared to trust him. Camillus’ own sufferings helped to tackle the suffering of others. As patron of nurses and the sick he should be more celebrated and loved. P.D.