May 25th, 2023
My dear Confreres,
On this significant day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to each and every one of you as we come together to commemorate the birthday of our beloved patron, St. Camillus de Lellis, and the Day of all Camillian Martyrs in the Order. It is a moment of profound reflection, gratitude, and inspiration as we honour the memory of these remarkable individuals who have laid down their lives in service to others.
St. Camillus, through his life of devotion and selflessness, exemplified the virtues of love, compassion, and sacrifice. His unwavering commitment to the sick and suffering has left an indelible mark on our Order, inspiring generations of Camillians to follow in his footsteps. Today, we not only celebrate his birth but also pay tribute to the Camillian martyrs who have offered the ultimate sacrifice in living out the Gospel values of mercy and healing.
The Camillian martyrs, through their witness of faith, have shown us the true meaning of discipleship and the immense courage it takes to stand up for justice, even in the face of great adversity. Their lives remind us that the call to serve the most vulnerable often demands great personal sacrifice and that our commitment to the mission of our Order should never waver.
Remembering the Day of Camillian Martyrs in the Order holds great importance and significance for us Camillians. It is a solemn occasion that calls us to reflect on the lives and sacrifices of those who have laid down their lives in service to others, following in the footsteps of Christ.
The real and concrete message for us Camillians on this day is multi-fold:
1. Witness of Faith-Uncompromising Faith: The Camillian martyrs remained steadfast in their faith despite the pressures and temptations of the secular world. The martyrs exemplify an unwavering commitment to their faith in the face of persecution and suffering. Their sacrifice reminds us of the centrality of our faith in our lives as Camillians. They serve as a reminder to us to hold firm to our beliefs and values, even when they are marginalized or opposed in society. Their witness calls us to be courageous in living out our faith and sharing the Gospel message. It calls us to strengthen our own faith, deepen our relationship with God, and live our vocation with renewed dedication. The martyrs' lives remind us of the power of courageous witness to our faith and mission. They inspire us to boldly live out our calling, even in the face of adversity or persecution. Their example provokes us to examine our own commitment and encourages us to take courageous steps in serving others and spreading the Gospel. The martyrs' unwavering faith and perseverance in the face of challenges and suffering provoke us to strengthen our own faith and trust in God. Their lives remind us that, even in difficult times, our faith should be a source of strength and hope. Their example motivates us to persevere in our vocations, remaining steadfast in our commitment to God and the mission of the Order.
2. Courage and Resilience & Courageous Advocacy: The martyrs display exceptional courage, resilience, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. The Camillian martyrs stood up for justice and defended the rights and dignity of the vulnerable, even in the face of persecution. In a secularized world that often prioritizes power and indifference, their example calls us to advocate for those who are marginalized, to speak up against injustices, and to be a voice for the voiceless. Their example challenges us to embrace challenges and difficulties in our own lives and ministries, knowing that God's grace sustains us. It encourages us to persevere in our mission, even when faced with obstacles or opposition.
3. Selflessness and Sacrifice & Selfless Service: The martyrs embody the spirit of selflessness and sacrificial love. The martyrs dedicated their lives to selfless service, placing the needs of others above their own. In our secularized world, where individualism and self-centeredness are often emphasized, their example challenges us to embrace a spirit of selflessness and compassion. They teach us that true discipleship involves putting the needs of others before our own, even to the point of sacrificing our lives. Their example calls us to examine our own lives and embrace a selfless attitude in our service to the sick and suffering. They inspire us to reach out to those who are marginalized, to be attentive to the suffering around us, and to serve with humility and love. The martyrs exemplify sacrificial love, giving their lives for the sake of others. Their selflessness challenges us to deepen our love for humanity and to go beyond our comfort zones in serving those in need. Their lives motivate us to be willing to make sacrifices for the well-being and salvation of others.
4. Embracing Suffering: The martyrs embraced their suffering with grace and perseverance, finding strength in their union with Christ. In a secularized world that often seeks comfort and avoidance of pain, their example teaches us the value of embracing our own crosses, offering our sufferings for the sake of others, and finding meaning in the midst of difficulties.
5. Faithfulness to the Mission & Radical Commitment: The martyrs remained faithful to the mission of the Order, even in the face of persecution. They inspire us to remain dedicated to our Camillian calling and to continue our mission of caring for the sick, suffering, and marginalized. The martyrs demonstrate a radical commitment to the mission and charism of the Order. Their ultimate sacrifice challenges us to re-evaluate our own commitment to our vocation and the values of the Camillian Order. They inspire us to renew our dedication, passion, and zeal for serving the most vulnerable members of society.
6. Witnessing to Hope: The martyrs, even in the midst of persecution and suffering, radiate hope and a steadfast trust in God's providence. The Camillian martyrs faced martyrdom with a profound hope rooted in their faith in Christ's victory over death. In a secularized world that can be marked by despair and hopelessness, their witness invites us to be beacons of hope. They remind us that true hope lies not in worldly achievements or material possessions, but in the transformative power of Christ's love. Their witness teaches us to remain hopeful in the face of challenges, to trust in God's plan, and to be bearers of hope to those we serve.
7. Innovative Approaches: The Camillian martyrs' lives inspire us to think creatively and innovatively in our service. They were willing to adapt to new circumstances, explore new ways of reaching out to others, and respond to the needs of their time. Their example motivates us to embrace innovative approaches in healthcare, social services, and pastoral care to better meet the evolving needs of people today.
8. Solidarity & Communion: The martyrs' lives demonstrate the importance of unity and solidarity among Camillians. They were willing to support and stand with one another, even to the point of martyrdom. Their example inspires us to foster a strong sense of community, collaboration, and mutual support within the Order. It motivates us to work together, drawing on each other's strengths and gifts, to advance the mission of caring for the sick and suffering.
9. Unity and Fraternity: The martyrs fostered a sense of unity and fraternity within the Order. They remind us of the importance of fostering a strong community, supporting one another, and working collaboratively towards our shared mission.
10. Inspiration for Future Generations: The martyrs' lives continue to inspire and motivate future generations of Camillians. Their stories serve as a reminder of the rich heritage and legacy of the Order, encouraging us to carry forward their spirit of dedication and service.
Embracing these messages from the lives of the Camillian holy martyrs can inspire us to live with greater courage, love, innovation, perseverance, and unity. Their example motivates us to embrace a transformative and wholehearted commitment to our vocation as Camillians, serving those in need and advancing the Kingdom of God in our secularized world. We are called to embrace their spirit and integrate these qualities into our daily actions and interactions with those in need. By remembering the Day of Camillian Martyrs, we are reminded of the price that has been paid for our mission and charism. It serves as a source of inspiration, renewal, and rededication for us as Camillians, motivating us to continue our work with renewed vigour and passion.
As we commemorate this special day, let us draw strength and inspiration from the lives of St. Camillus and the Camillian martyrs. Let us renew our commitment to their mission, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. May their example ignite within us a renewed passion for service and a deep desire to alleviate the suffering of those in need.
Let us remember that the legacy of St. Camillus and the Camillian martyrs is not confined to the pages of history but lives on through each one of us, through our actions and the compassion we show to others. It is a call to be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that yearns for healing and hope.
On this sacred occasion, I urge you, my dear Confreres, to continue to embrace the spirit of St. Camillus and the Camillian martyrs in your daily lives. Let their selflessness and dedication guide our actions, inspiring us to go above and beyond in our service to the sick, the marginalized, and the suffering.
May the intercession of St. Camillus and the Camillian martyrs strengthen and protect us as we carry their torch forward. Let us support one another in our shared mission, nurturing a spirit of fraternity and unity within our Order.
Wishing you all a blessed celebration of St. Camillus' birthday and the Day of all Camillian Martyrs of Charity.
In St. Camillus,
Rev. Fr. Pedro Tramontin MI
Superior General & General Consulta
The Order of the Ministers of the Infirm,
24 May 2023, Rome
