Born in Abruzzi in central Italy, Camillus (1550-1614) became a Venetian soldier like his father. When his aged father died, Camillus pursued his mania for gambling, lost everything, but was cared for by some Capuchins. Because of a diseased leg, he was unable to join that order, but found his vocation in caring for the sick. The conditions in hospitals in the 16th century were horrific and Camillus resolved to establish an order to care for the sick and dying. He was ordained and founded the nursing congregation of the Ministers of the Sick, the Camillians. Despite his own ill health, he served as general of his order, built hospitals, and ministered to soldiers on the battlefield. He was canonized in 1746, and is a patron saint of nurses and of the sick.©2011 Living with Christ, Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/. Reprinted with permission.