Celebration of the feast of St. Camillus: A tribute to charity and humanization in San Camillo centre

The San Camillo Center, composed of the Care Center and the Centre for Humanization of Health, celebrated with great joy and devotion the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis on Friday, July 12. This event was an opportunity to remember the figure of the saint of charity, patron of the sick and health workers. The celebration was attended by religious, staff, volunteers and friends, all united to pay tribute to this great reformer of the world of health and care.

As part of this festivity, Fr. Arnaldo Pangrazzi’s 50 years of priesthood and Fr. Santiago González García’s 60 years of priesthood were also celebrated. In addition, we give thanks to God for the priestly life of Fr. Luciano Sandrin and D. Ángel Camino Lamelas, OSA, Episcopal Vicar of the VIII Vicariate.

The day began with the activity “Dialogues in St. Camillus: Envious? Keys to emotional and spiritual health,” by Camillian religious Luciano Sandrin, who participated in the Summer School of Pastoral Health Care, during this week. In his talk, Fr. Luciano explained that envy is a corrosive emotion that begins to gnaw silently until its effects become devastating. “It is not easy to admit that we feel envy; it is a hidden, unmentionable feeling that undermines our relationships and our well-being,” he said.

During the Eucharistic celebration, the principal celebrant Fr. Arnaldo Pangrazzi recalled the figure of St. Camillus and his role in the world of health and humanization. After the Mass, a cultural act led by the Center’s Director of Human Resources, D. Francisco Javier Rodríguez, took place in St. Camillus Square, where the Center’s director, D. José Manuel Martínez, and the superior of the Tres Cantos community, Brother Long, spoke. Brother Long presented a video tribute on the ministerial life of Fr. Santiago and Fr. Arnaldo. The event was also attended by the Mayor, D. Jesús Moreno.

This culminated with the speech of the Provincial Superior and Director of the Center, Brother José Carlos Bermejo, who offered a stirring address on the center’s motto, “More heart in hands.” This phrase is a central reference in our charism and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of compassion in care.

The cultural act concluded with a short musical space followed by an outdoor cocktail reception. The celebration of the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis in the San Camillo Center was a moving reminder of the importance of caring and teaching how to care, a charism deeply rooted in the daily work of the center. St. Camillus de Lellis, with his example of charity and dedication to the sick, continues to be an inspirational figure for all those working in the field of health and humanization. The San Camillo Center’s commitment to keeping this legacy alive is a living testimony to the positive impact that compassion and care can have in our communities.