The relic of the heart of St. Camillus began its pilgrimage amongst the faithful for the jubilee year, which celebrates the four hundredth centenary of the saint’s death, a few days ago.

On Friday 7 February the relic was received by the community of the studentate of Rome. To wait for it at the main gate, at about 18.00, were the brothers of the studentate and the representatives of the Camillian communities of Rome, with the daughters of St. Camillus of Villa Sacra Famiglia. Father Hubert Goudjinou, the general consultor responsible for formation, handed over the valuable relic to the Superior, Laurent Zoungrana: an applause and a singing of the hymn ‘Above in Heaven’ opened the intimate and well-attended procession towards the chapel of the studentate. The solemn vespers, presided over by the Superior – who offered a rich reflection – marked the beginning of the stay of the relic in this institution, the first time that it had visited it.

On Saturday 8 February, in the morning, there began the spiritual retreat animated by Brother Carlo Mangione which witnessed the participation of the whole of the community and representatives of the Rebuschini House and the Magdalene House.  At 15.30 there was another moment of prayer to give communal greetings to the relic which was awaited at the ‘Villaggio Eugenio  Litta’ of Grottaferrata by a fine group of young men and numerous daughters of St. Camillus. The portrayal of the life of the saint that was offered by young volunteers was especially significant. The solemn entrance of the relic and personal prayers touched the hearts of everyone at a deep level.

On Sunday 9 February the relic was received at the St. Camillus Hospital of Rome. Present on this occasion were His Excellency Monsignor Lorenzo Leuzzi, the bishop with responsibility for pastoral care in health; Monsignor Andrea Manto, the director of the diocesan office for pastoral care in  health; the Provincial Superior Father, Emilio Blasi; and over twenty members of the Order. During the celebration Monsignor Leuzzi addressed words to those present that were full of affection and ones that were particularly felt, describing St. Camillus as a model of generosity in service to the sick. Catholic doctors and a numerous group of volunteers of Arvas also spoke.

The first stages of the pilgrimage of the heart have been a very strong and keenly-felt experience, as well as a valuable opportunity to spread knowledge about the figure of St. Camillus in a simple and popular way, and his message of mercy towards sick people.

Video: The Relic of the Heart of St. Camillus at the St. Camillus Hospital, Rome

Look here at the photo gallery of the Pilgrimage of the Heart to the Camillian studentate of Rome

Look here at the photo gallery of the Pilgrimage of the Heart to the St. Camillus Hospital of Rome

Look here at the photo gallery of the Pilgrimage of the Heart to the Villaggio Eugenio Litta of Grottaferrata

Look here at the press notices