The Extraordinary General Chapter of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians) has elected the 60th Superior General this afternoon. He is Father Leocir Pessini, provincial superior of the Brazilian Province. His election took place during the first balloting by an overwhelming majority, a sign of unity of the Chapter called to choose a new leader of the Order.

He was born on May 14, 1955 in Santa Caterina, Brazil. Fr. Pessini made ​​his first profession in 1975 and final vows in 1978 and ordained priest in 1980. He finished Philosophy at Our Lady of the Assumption of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Theology at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, and did specialization in Clinical Pastoral Education, Moral Theology and Bioethics. He is the vice-Rector of the University of San Camillo in Sao Paolo and the chairman of the Camillian organizations which includes 56 hospitals in Brazil. He is the editorial director of two scientific journals and has published many articles on bioethical issues, ministry of health and the humanization of care.

As the theme chosen by this extraordinary chapter – “The revitalization of the Order in the fourth centenary of the death of St. Camillus”, – the desire of all is to leave behind the known events that grab the attention of the Order in the past few months and look forward with a renewed commitment.

A great task awaits the new Superior General and his Council (who will be elected soon) is to help the religious spread in 40 countries all over the world and the great family of St. Camillus to regain their enthusiasm and joy of serving the sick and the poor as they have done uninterruptively during these four centuries of existence.

Look here at the press information

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