Be Christ to the sick and see Christ in the sick

This is a quote by St. Camillus de Lellis, Patron Saint of the Sick, Nurses, and Hospitals, Founder of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm, more commonly known as the Camillians, where I belong to as a religious priest.

As we know, Jesus, in his earthly journey, had a special love for the sick. He was always moved with compassion for those suffering from various diseases and healed them using his power. Following those examples of Jesus Christ, St. Camillus devoted himself to serving the sick with compassion and tender like a mother caring for her only child who is sick. And recognizing the need for better care for the sick, St. Camillus formed a group of people who would serve the sick with love and compassion like him.

One unique thing about us Camillians is the fourth vow. Most of the religious Orders take the three traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. But as Camillians, we have an additional fourth vow: “We serve the sick, even with danger to our own life.” In fact, throughout history, many Camillians have died while serving and caring for the sick during plagues, wars, and disasters. I remember what my novice master said; “We never grew big in number. Because some joined our Order and some died while serving the sick on the battlefield.”

The Camillians continue our work today, running and serving in the hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, parishes, schools, chaplaincy, pastoral centers, and other healthcare facilities. It includes the response to both natural and man-made disasters (CADIS) as well as specialized care for individuals with mental illnesses and living with HIV/AIDS. We make efforts in transforming the healthcare service around the world by making it more humanized and Christ-centered. Here in Davao region, we have a St. Camillus chaplaincy community and serve in Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and San Pedro Hospital as chaplains.

This Lenten season, the Camillians are especially reminded of our mission to serve the sick with compassion and selflessness. Lent is a time of reflection, sacrifice, and charity—not just through alms-giving but also through acts of love and service. As we journey through this sacred season, we are called to embody Christ’s mercy by caring for the sick, comforting the suffering, and uplifting those in need. Inspired by the example of St. Camillus de Lellis, may we use this time to deepen our commitment to serving others, seeing Christ in the sick, and being Christ to them. (Fr. Andrew Kang, MI)