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Son of a military officer who had served both for Naples and France. His
mother died when he was very young. Spent his youth as a soldier, fighting
for the Venetians against the Turks, and then for Naples. Reported as a
large individual, perhaps as tall as 6'6", and powerfully built. A
gambling addict, he lost so much he had to take a job working construction
on a building belonging to the Capuchins; they converted him.
He entered the Capuchin noviate three times, but a nagging leg injury,
received while fighting the Turks, each time forced him to give up. He
went to Rome for medical treatment where Saint Philip Neri became his
priest and confessor. He moved into San Giacomo Hospital for the
incurable, and eventually became its administrator. Lacking education, he
began to study with children when he was 32 years old. Priest. Founded the
Congregation of the Servants of the Sick (the Camellians) who, naturally,
care for the sick both in hospital and home. The order expanded with
houses in several countries. Camillus honored the sick as living images of
Christ, and hoped that the service he gave them did penance for his
wayward youth.
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