Saint Camillus De Lellis
On July 18th we celebrate the life of Saint Camillus de Lellis who was born in a small town in the kingdom of Naples (modern day Italy). As a young man, Camillus was a soldier who led an errant life. He lost so much money gambling that he eventually found himself working as a laborer on a Capuchin building.
After experiencing a change of heart he tried to enter the Capuchin Order twice, only to be turned down because of an ulcer on his leg. Later, he moved to Rome and entered the Hospital of Incurables. He worked very hard to serve the sick there and was eventually appointed the administer.
At the age of 32 he began to study diligently. Later, St. Camillus was ordained a priest and founded the Congregation of Regular Clerics to administer to the sick. He devoted the remainder of his life to administering to the sick and dying. He died on July 14, 1614, and was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV. Saint Camillus is the patron Saint of sick people, hospitals, and hospital workers.