25 May is an important date for the Camillian world: we remember the birth of St. Camillus (which took place in 1550 in Bucchianico, the Province of Chieti), and the sacrifice of the ‘martyrs of charity’: about 300 priests, brothers, clerics, novices and oblates who since the birth of the Order until today have honoured the four vow of caring for the sick to the point of giving up their own lives.

The celebrations of this year acquire a special solemnity in the light of the fourth centenary of the death of St. Camillus. The date of 25 May will be celebrated in Rome with the conference under the patronage of the National Office for Pastoral Care in Health of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, which will culminate in a Holy Mass presided over by the General Secretary of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Monsignor Nunzio Galantino.

At this conference – whose subject will be ‘Camillus, a Holy Forerunner of Health Care in Italy’ – will be present the Vicar General of the Camillians, Father Paolo Guarise; the Director of the National Office for Pastoral Care in Health of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Don Carmine Arice; and the Hon. Maria Pia Garavaglia, the former Minister of Health. This meeting will be chaired by the journalist and vice-director of RAI2, Luciano Onder.

The day will be preceded by a triduum of preparations which envisages in particular, on Saturday 24 May, a ‘Forum on Voluntary Work’ in which will take part, amongst others, the Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, Monsignor Matteo Zuppi and director for lay groups and confraternities of the Vicariate of Rome, Monsignor Antonio Interguglielmi.

From 22 May to 25 May, in addition, there will be again an appointment with the Camillian white nights which will involve the continuous opening of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Rome (the seat of the generalate house of the Camillians) from 9.00 to 24.00

Read here the complete programme of the celebrations

Look here at the press information

Radio Vatican – The anniversary of the birth of St. Camillus de Lellis – 17/05/14 –

LISTEN to the interview with Br. Carlo Mangione (14.29 minutes)