What Is The Origin Of The Red Cross?

St. Camillus

St. Camillus de Lellis (1550–1614) was a wild, undisciplined youth that turned into a battle-hardened soldier with a violent temper and a gambling addiction. His bad behavior, combined with a persistent war wound in his leg, left him in poverty. He found work doing odd jobs at a Capuchin friary. Gradually the good influence of the friars inspired him to a better life, and he experienced a true conversion. He sought to join the Franciscans, but was unable due to his leg wound. He then moved to Rome and worked for a hospital that took care of patients with incurable illnesses. He later became its Director while he continued a life of penance and virtue.

Seeing that his patients often received poor attention from the hospital staff, he devoted his life to providing excellent care for the sick, in whom he saw the face of Christ. He then established a religious order of men committed to helping the most ill, even at the risk of their own well-being, known as the Order of St. Camillus, or the Camillians. For this task he studied for the priesthood and was ordained at the late age of 34.

His Order gave medical care to anyone in need of treatment. In addition to serving in hospitals, they also served on the battlefield. The Camillians developed into a worldwide relief effort of like-minded medical workers who seek to follow Christ through ministering to the sick.

The red cross on his habit became an international symbol of medical aid.

St. Camillus is the patron of the sick, hospitals, nurses, and physicians.

His feast day is July 18th.