Sts. Therese/Camillus

St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Camillus de Lellis

Posted on September 24, 2009. Filed under: 2009 Summer-Fall Newsletter, All Posts, English, Sts. Therese/Camillus |

Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter

The Patron Saints of CTF-SOS DRS

St. Therese of Lisieux

In 1887, at age fifteen, Therese fought to enter Carmel. During a pilgrimage to Italy with her father and sister Celine, Therese decided to approach Pope Leo XIII himself. He answered Therese’s entreaties evasively; She was carried out in tears by the papal guards. Back in Lisieux and after a difficult wait, Therese finally received Bishop Hugonin’s permission. On Monday April 9, 1888 she entered Carmel. Sister Therese of the Child Jesus was happy with her lot, but everyday life in the Carmel had its problems too: the clashes of communal life, the cold, the new diet and the difficulties of prayer (two hours of private prayer and 4 1/2 of liturgy).

“I came to save souls and especially to pray for priests.” – Therese upon entering Carmel From Saint Therese of Lisieux – From Lisieux to the Four Corners of the World – Editions du Signe Story of a Soul – John Clarke, O.C.D.

St. Camillus de Lellis

While journeying home after his father’s death, Camillus became more ill as the  wound that started as a scratch above the ankle of his right leg festered and the infection spread to the foot. Soon he was overtaken with fever and had to rest at Fermo. Here Camillus chance saw two Friars Minor walking through the town. They did not speak to Camillus, but just the grace of seeing them pass made him suddenly realized how orderless his life had been thus far. With sorrow he resolved to amend his dissolute life and avoid further temptations by entering a monastery. Camillus headed for Aquila to the convent of Saint Bernardino where his uncle was commissary general. Knowing Camillus’ history and seeing him in such poor health, his uncle prudently denied him entrance to the Order. His uncle encouraged Camillus to persevere in virtue and advised him to have the sore on his leg treated. With a letter of introduction from his uncle, Camillus was admitted to the hospital of San Giacomo degli Incurabili (Saint James of the Incurables) in March of 1571. If one was admitted to the hospital, it was as good as being admitted to the morgue, since there was no code of nursing and little sanitation. The “caregivers” were for the most part men only interested in having regular meals and a place to sleep. Some were even banished criminals, men who were condemned and put to work in hospitals strictly as a punishment. Camillus, low on funds, offered his services in exchange for treatment. At first all went well because Camillus was determined to try his best, but one night he was asked by a group of servants to join in a game of cards. Every night he played cards and dice; soon he was becoming careless in his tasks; negligent in his assignments and impatient with the sick. Camillus was asked to leave. He again threw himself into the life of a soldier for two years. After being a part of so many gambling quarrels, Camillus was finally dismissed from the troop.   Saint Camillus de Lellis – “Crusader of Charity” in  From the Housetops, Volume XLVIV, No. 3 Serial No. 95 – Sr. Marie-Bernard, MICM   “In all your needs and temptations keep the Passion of our Lord fixed in your heart, that he may deliver you from all evil.” – St. Camillus de Lellis

D’Ann Fisher Executive Assistant – SOS DRS July 14, 2009 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter