In 1550, Camillus was born in the Abruzzo district of Naples, Italy. His father, a former army officer, passed away six years after his mother died when he was still a baby. Professionally, the young man followed in the footsteps of his late father, serving in the Venetian and Naples armies until 1574.

While serving in the military, Camillus became severely addicted to gambling. When he became destitute in 1575 and was compelled to perform menial labor for a group of Franciscans, he broke the habit. He decided to change his life in February of that year, and he quickly applied to join the order.

However, a wound in one of his legs was considered incurable, which prevented him from becoming a Franciscan. Following this rejection, he went to Rome and worked for four years in a hospice. Devoted to a life of prayer and penance, he wore a hair shirt and sought spiritual guidance from St. Philip Neri.

Pained by the caliber of care provided to the sick, Camillus decided to establish an organization of Catholics who would offer them spiritual and medical support. He studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1584.

Members of his order labored in hospitals, jails, and in the homes of those stricken by disease. The order's original name, the “Fathers of a Good Death,” emphasized the intention to aid in their spiritual salvation and prepare the dying to accept their last rites.

Later approved by the pope in 1586, the group was recognized as a religious order in 1591 and became known as the Order of the Ministers of the Sick, or simply the "Camillians." Apart from the customary obeisance, poverty, and chastity vows, they also swore unwavering service to the sick.

Camillus himself suffered from physical ailments throughout his life. His leg injury did not heal for nearly five decades, and he suffered from ulcers and severe kidney failure. But it is said that he spent time with the sick, even though he could not walk, crawling from bed to bed.

The founder of the Ministers of the Sick stayed at the General Chapter in Rome in 1613 to help his order and make his last visit to many of their hospitals. On learning that he was mortally ill, Camillus replied: “I rejoice in what has been told me. We shall go into the house of the Lord."

Having received Communion for the last time, he declared: "O Lord, I confess I am the most wretched of sinners, most undeserving of your favor; but save me by your infinite goodness. My hope is placed in your divine mercy through your precious blood."

After giving his last instructions to his ministers, St. Camillo de Lellis died on July 14, 1614. Pope Benedict XIV canonized him in 1746 and later in 1930 named him - along with St. John - one of the two main patrons of nurses and nursing associations.

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