Taking care of humanity is the activity that more than any other reflects the action of God in history: since the beginning of time he has been, in fact, the companion and support of every human being on the journey of life, especially in moments of suffering. It is in this dimension that St. Camillus de Lellis lived and worked, a prophet of a medicine that puts people and their dignity at the center. Born in Bucchianico (Chieti) in 1550 in a noble family, he embarked on a military career, but due to a sore on his foot he was hospitalized for a period in Rome. He took up arms again, he was ruined by the habit of gambling, because he lost all his possessions. He thus found himself in the service of the Capuchins of San Giovanni Rotondo. In 1575 he was once again admitted to the hospital of San Giacomo degli Incurabili in Rome and there he finally found his way: he began to serve his sick companions with dedication and delicacy and had the idea of founding a congregation devoted to this activity. Thus were born the Ministers of the Sick, the Camillians: the military experience of the founder was a precious resource for modernizing assistance to the sick. De Lellis died in 1614 in Rome.
Other saints. Saint Tuscany, widow (1280-1343); Blessed Angelina da Montegiove, widow (1377-1435).
Readings. Roman. Is 26.7-9.12.16-19; Ps 101; Mt 11: 28-30.
Ambrosiano. Dt 31,1-12; Sal 134 (135); Lc 8,22-25.
Bizantino. 1Cor 3,18-23; Mt 13,36-43.
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