St. Camillus’s relic on display in Cebu
The incorruptible heart of St. Camillus de Lellis, which arrived in Cebu last Tuesday, March 5, is on display for veneration of the public, especially those who are sick.
Placed in a glass case, the 404-year-old heart relic of the patron saint of the sick, nurses and hospitals has been housed at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral since 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6.
Before it was brought to the Cathedral, the relic stayed for a day at the Daughters of St. Camillus Home for the Aged in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City.
The relic’s visit at the Cathedral coincided with Ash Wednesday, or the first day of the 40-day Lenten observance.
The Camillians’ Phillippine Provinciate, in coordination with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, facilitated the relic’s visit to Cebu and other parts of the country.
Fr. Dan Cancino, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Commission on Health Care, told reporters that the relic’s nationwide tour is relevant due to the constant incidence of sickness, conflict and death in the country.
The relic’s visit will also remind devotees of the virtues of St. Camillus, who started as a sinner before embracing holiness, Cancino added.
Cebu Auxiliary bishop and incoming military bishop Oscar Florencio said St. Camillus’s life of sin and conversion resonates this Lenten season.
After a pontifical mass led by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Thursday morning, the relic will be brought to Tagbilaran City.
St. Camillus de Lellis was born in Bucchianico, Italy on May 25, 1550. As a soldier, he fought for the Venetians against the Turks at age 16, injuring his leg.
Years after, he became addicted to gambling and eventually became penniless. He then joined the Capuchin order by working as a laborer, and devoted himself to caring for the sick.
St. Camillus died in Rome on July 14 and was canonized in 1746.