On the eve of July 14, the day the Church celebrates Saint Camillus of Lelis, we present seven facts that perhaps you did not know about this great Saint and patron of the sick.
1. The birth of Saint Camillus was considered a miracle
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When his mother was pregnant, she dreamed that her son led a group in which everyone wore a red cross on their chest.
His birth was considered a miracle, since at the time of giving birth, his mother was nearly 60 years old.
2. His father was a mercenary
His father was a military mercenary in the service of Spain and Venice. At 18, Camilo went with him to battles, and there he was attracted by the riches and pleasures.
3. He began his studies at the age of 32
After his conversion, Camilo entered the Roman College of the Jesuits at the age of 32, where he progressed rapidly in his studies. He was ordained a priest on May 26, 1584 in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, one of the four papal basilicas of Rome and the Cathedral of that diocese.
4. Saint Camillus met Saint Philip Neri
The story goes that with the accompaniment of Saint Philip Neri, Camilo tried to soften his rough character; With the Capuchin Franciscans he learned humility and love of sacrifice; and with the Jesuits he understood the strong demands of the spiritual life.
5. He prayed the Rosary every day
Not only did he pray the Rosary daily, but he encouraged others to do so. He celebrated Mass every day, something that was unusual in his time, and he had a great devotion to the Eucharist.
6. He was a precursor of the Red Cross
Camilo founded the Congregation of the Brother Ministers of the Sick and Martyrs of Charity and sent them to the battlefields.
In this way, 250 years before the birth of the International Red Cross, the “red cross” of the habits of the children of Saint Camillus shone on the battlefields as a sign of fraternity.
7. He prophesied his death
Camillus prophesied that he would die in Rome on the feast of Saint Bonaventure, July 14, according to the ancient liturgical calendar, and this happened in 1614.
His body was embalmed and his heart was placed in a reliquary.
Central Editorial
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