Deepertruth: Saint Camillus de Lellis patron of hospitals, nurses, and the sick.

Saint Camillus de Lellis patron of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. 7/18/2023

Camillus devoted the rest of his life to the care of the sick. Along with Saint John of God he has been named patron of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. With the advice of his friend Saint Philip Neri, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained at the age of 34.

From Ruffian to Saint: the Life of St.Camillus, Founder of the First Red Cross

Charity was his first concern, but the physical aspects of the hospital also received his diligent attention. Camillus insisted on cleanliness and the technical competence of those who served the sick. The members of his community bound themselves to serve prisoners and persons infected by the plague as well as those dying in private homes.

Camillus himself suffered the disease of his leg through his life. In his last illness, he left his own bed to see if other patients in the hospital needed help