Dear Camillians, collaborators, partners, and friends,
On this sacred occasion of May 25, we gather in spirit and mission to commemorate the Feast of the Camillian Martyrs of Charity—those more than 300 courageous witnesses who offered their lives in service to the sick, the wounded, and the forgotten, often amid wars, epidemics, and disasters. Their legacy is not merely a memory we preserve; it is a living call that continues to shape who we are and how we serve.
The martyrs we honor today embodied a radical form of charity—one that transcended fear, self-interest, and even the instinct for self-preservation. They chose to remain at the side of the suffering when it would have been easier to step away. They remained committed to the evangelical imperative expressed in the words of Jesus Christ: “... whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25,40). Saint Camillus de Lellis recommended to his disciples “to see Christ in the sick person and to be Christ to them.” In doing so, they revealed the very heart of our Camillian charism: to serve the sick and the poor with compassion, competence, and unwavering dedication, even at the risk of their lives.
As we reflect on the past, we cannot ignore the urgent cries coming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Entire communities are being directly affected by violence—families displaced from their homes, the wounded in desperate need of medical care, children deprived of safety and education, and health systems pushed beyond their limits. At the same time, the indirect consequences ripple far beyond the immediate zones of conflict: economic inflation, rising poverty, food insecurity, psychological trauma, disrupted livelihoods, and fragile host communities struggling to absorb those seeking refuge.
These realities demand from us not only empathy but a concrete, coordinated response. The needs are immediate and multifaceted: emergency healthcare for the injured, access to essential medicines, psychosocial support for those traumatized by war, protection for the most vulnerable, and the restoration of basic human dignity. Equally critical are the long-term needs—rebuilding community structures, supporting livelihoods, strengthening local health capacities, and fostering resilience among populations living in prolonged uncertainty.
Throughout its ten-year history, CADIS Foundation has sought to provide a comprehensive response to the various crises in which it has been involved. From rapid emergency interventions to sustained development programs, we have accompanied communities through some of their most difficult moments. Today, the situation in the Middle East calls us once again to intensify this commitment. It challenges us to act with urgency, while also thinking beyond immediate relief toward sustainable recovery and peace-oriented resilience.
This evolution—from crisis response to resilience-building—reflects a deeper understanding of our mission. Compassion is not only about being present in moments of acute suffering; it is also about empowering individuals and communities to withstand future adversities, to recover with dignity, and to rebuild their lives even amid ongoing instability. In this way, our work honors the martyrs not only by remembering their sacrifice but by extending their legacy into the most pressing realities of our time.
None of this is possible without the collective effort of the entire Camillian family and our collaborators. To the religious, lay partners, healthcare professionals, volunteers, donors, and community leaders: your commitment has been the driving force behind every life touched and every sign of hope restored. In the face of crisis, your solidarity becomes even more vital—not only through direct service, but also through advocacy, resource mobilization, prayer, and the promotion of a culture of peace.
Looking ahead, the next years call us to deepen our impact. This means strengthening local capacities in fragile contexts, investing in community-based health systems, integrating trauma-informed care, and building partnerships that enhance both reach and sustainability. It also means ensuring that our humanitarian action remains anchored in respect for human dignity, impartiality, and the unwavering commitment to serve those most in need—regardless of borders, backgrounds, or beliefs.
Today, as we remember the martyrs, let us altogether pray for justice and peace in the world. You may use the novena to the Camillian Martyrs of Charity, which will start on the 16th of May. Let us also ask ourselves and reflect: how are we called to embody their spirit in a world marked by complex and protracted crises? Where are we being invited to stand in solidarity, even when it is difficult or costly? These are the questions that will shape our fidelity to the mission entrusted to us.
As we give thanks for ten years of CADIS, we do so with humility and determination. The legacy we inherit is profound, but it calls for action—action that is compassionate, strategic, and steadfast in the face of today’s realities.
May the witness of the Camillian Martyrs of Charity continue to inspire us. May their sacrifice guide our response to the urgent needs of our time. And may our shared mission contribute, even in small but meaningful ways, to the restoration of peace and dignity for all.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Br. José Ignacio Santaolalla Sáez, MI
CADIS International President
