Gazing up at St. Camillus Church, one might wonder about the man behind its name. St. Camillus de Lellis, born in 1550, led a tumultuous life before finding his calling. He was a soldier and a gambler. He even worked at a hospital, but his temper led to his dismissal. After more time in the army, he returned to the hospital. He became a nurse and later, the director. St. Camillus Church in Arlington stands as a testament to this transformed man. He dedicated his life to serving the sick. He founded the Order of Clerks Regular, better known as the Camillians. His wartime experiences inspired him to create a group of healthcare workers specifically to assist soldiers on the battlefield. The red cross on the Camillians’ cassocks symbolizes this mission of care and compassion. The Camillians also bravely served plague victims. St. Camillus was so troubled by the neglect plague victims faced that he formed a group called the “Brothers of the Happy Death”. Their efforts and his supposed supernatural healings were credited with ending a plague in Rome. He even earned the title “Patron Saint of Rome” for a time. St. Camillus Church embodies this spirit of service. St. Camillus’s own life was marked by suffering due to various ailments. However, he refused to let this hinder his work, even crawling to visit the sick when he couldn’t walk. He was known for his gifts of healing and prophecy. St. Camillus Church carries on this legacy of compassion and resilience. In 1594, Camillus brought his friars to Milan. There, they cared for the sick at the Ca’ Granda, the city’s main hospital. A memorial tablet in the hospital’s courtyard remembers his presence there. This dedication to caring for the sick echoes within the walls of St. Camillus Church in Arlington. In 1614, St. Camillus died in Rome. He was beatified in 1742 by Pope Benedict XIV and canonized just four years later. St. Camillus Church honors his life and unwavering devotion to the sick and suffering.
Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
A chill wind whispers through the aged headstones. This is Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. This historic cemetery dates back to