Today we honor Saint Camillus de Lellis, a soldier-turned-saint who dedicated his life to the care of the sick and dying. After a personal conversion, he founded the Order of the Ministers of the Sick (Camillians), whose members took a fourth vow: to serve the sick, even at risk to their own lives.
His life challenges us to practice mercy, compassion, and sacrificial love—especially toward those who suffer.
Let us offer today’s prayer asking for hearts full of charity and courage to serve others as Christ did.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Through the life of Saint Camillus,
You showed the world the healing love of Your Son,
Expressed in compassion for the sick and forgotten.
Teach us to recognize Your presence in those who suffer,
To serve them with patience, humility, and love.
Grant healing to the sick, strength to caregivers,
And hope to all who are overwhelmed by illness.
May we, like Saint Camillus, bring light to the bedside of those in pain.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mass Readings of the Day
First Reading: Exodus 1:8–14, 22
A new Pharaoh rises in Egypt and enslaves the Israelites, fearing their growing numbers. Their suffering foreshadows the deliverance God will soon bring.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 124:1b–3, 4–6, 7–8
Response: “Our help is in the name of the Lord.”
Gospel: Matthew 10:34–11:1
Jesus reminds the disciples that following Him may cause division, but those who welcome Him—and those who bring His word—will be richly rewarded
Saint of the Day – Saint Camillus de Lellis
Born in 1550 in Italy, Camillus lived a rough life as a soldier and gambler. After a conversion, he dedicated himself to the care of the sick, especially plague victims. He founded a religious order focused entirely on hospital ministry.
Despite suffering from a chronic leg wound, he worked tirelessly for others. He died in 1614 and was canonized in 1746. Saint Camillus is the patron of nurses, doctors, and the sick.
Interesting Facts About Saint Camillus de Lellis
- He was over 6 feet tall—a giant in both stature and compassion.
- His religious order wore a red cross on their black habit, inspiring modern medical symbolism.
- He was often called the “Saint of the Sickrooms” for his tireless service.
- He personally cared for plague victims, risking his life.
- He is one of the Patron Saints of Hospitals, the Sick, and Healthcare Workers.
