The relic of the heart of Saint Camillus de Lellis visited Cebu for the first time on March 1 and 2, 2013 – and “From the Housetops” was there to greet him!
Accompanied by six Camillian priests and one Camillian brother, the heart arrived in the Philippines on February 18, and visited seven cities before returning back to Italy on March 10. Everywhere the relic traveled, it was received with great love and devotion. and a copy of his story.
The Daughters of Saint Camillus in Cebu asked for rights to reprint an article on their patron’s life from one of our From the Housetops magazines to give to visiting pilgrims.
Sister Eliani Ines Kohler, Superior of the Daughter of Saint Camillus said that “everywhere in Cebu where the relic was brought, we saw the great faith and devotion of the Cebuanos. People were praying for each other.
Everybody was offering prayers and humbly asking the saint’s intercession on behalf of their sick loved ones, family members, neighbors, co-workers and friends. The sick found courage and strength to offer up their sufferings and pains to God.
Young people, attracted by the charism of St. Camillus de Lellis and the spirituality he left to his sons and daughters, were opening up their hearts to the grace of vocation. Several actually approached the sisters to express their growing interest to live a similar life as St. Camillus did, in the service of God and neighbor.
The grace of God was powerfully at work in the hearts of all who came in trust and faith, and the spirit of St. Camillus brought hope and consolation to many. This visit of his heart was indeed a gift of hope and love.”
We pray that the strength and spirit of Saint Camillus will bear fruit in the Philippines. Saint Benedict Center feels blessed to have been a part of this historic visit. Saint Camillus de Lellis, pray for us!
Buy the issue of “From the Housetops” featuring Saint Camillus here!