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+ NOVEMBER + + MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS + During November we pray every day for the Holy Souls If you would like to join your prayers with ours: Please send your List of the Dead to: St. Camillus, Killucan, Co. Westmeath, Ireland, N91 WY97 We will pray for the Holy Souls at Mass every morning at 10.30am
MONTHLY HEALING MASS LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH - 8pm All are welcome to come along in person
UKRAINE we pray for the people of Ukraine. May they receive speedy peace and justice. Grant that the Russian soldiers will withdraw. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. We will assit our Polish Confreres will financial assistance for the help of Refugees. Fr Stephen PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVE-STREAM CHURCH WEBCAM
DAILY MASS: Every Day at 10.30am
If You would like a little red cross please write to St Camillus, Killucan, Co. Westmeath or telephone 044-9374115 or 01-830-4635. St. Camillus Uganda Donations Appeal Thank you for all your help and prayers. God bless you.
Sunday Independent Article, Camillians Mater Chapains & the COVID19 Pandemic
PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM TODAY, 13th MARCH, THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC MASSES IN OUR CHURCH
HOWEVER, YOU CAN JOIN IN BY CLICKING ON THE LINK CAMERA TO OUR CHURCH ON THE LEFT Coronavirus prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Saviour of the World. In your life on earth you brought healing to all whom you met. Grant us an end to the coronavirus outbreak. Cure those who are ill. Comfort those who have lost loved ones. Help us to find a cure for this new disease covid19. Bless us all. Protect those who are anxious and troubled. Help those who have lost their employment. Grant this be brought to a speedy end. Amen St. Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan, Co. Westmeath If you are considering long or short-term care for either yourself or a relative contact us at (00353) 044-9374196 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it We are pleased to discuss possible admissions and would be very happy to arrange for you to visit us You can find more information on the Nursing Centre by clicking here Child Protection Policy Statement - Order of St Camillus As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being and will work in partnership with parents/guardinas to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance thei spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. All Church personnel(including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse. Each child shall be cherished and affirmed as a gift from God with an inherent right to dignity of life and bodily integrity which shall be respected, nurtured and protected by all. The Order of St Camillus is committed to ensuring that none of its personnel engages in behaviour that could allow abuse to occur or actions with children or vulnerable adults that would constitute abuse. Details of Personnel to Contact if you are Concerned about the Welfare and Safety of Children. DLP Fr Denis Sandham 01-283-3380 Police 01-666-0000 TUSLA 0906-483106 or 01-856-7704 or 01-771-8500 For the procedures to implement the child safeguarding policy, the Order of St Camillus follows the guidance of the National Board for Safeguarding Children available here https://www.safeguarding.ie/index.php/guidance Please click here for Child Safeguarding Statement Order of St Camillus Fr Stephen Foster, MI General Delegate 3 April 2020 **************************************
Richard Lubaale, MI 11th May 1978 - 6th November 2017 Richard was born the third of eight children on the 11th of May 1978 to John and Rose Lubaale. His Father died some years ago while Richard was in Novitiate. His Mother is in her early seventies. He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Mercy, Loy, Richard, Andrew, Alex, Robert, Emma & John. He was born in Kakira which is very close to the town of Jinja and Kimaka where the Camillians are now based. Richard was accepted into the Order by Fr. Tom O'Connor (1st missionary to Uganda) and his Vocation team. He made his novitiate in Kurungu, Kenya and made his First Profession on 14 July 2007 at St. Camillus, KiiraRd, Jinja. He was then sent by Fr O'Connor to the Camillian Seminary in Nairobi where he completed his theological studies at Tangaza College in 2010. Richard made his Solemn Profession on 2nd January, 2011 at St Camillus, Killucan, Co. Westmeath surrounded by his Camillian confreres from the Anglo-Irish Province, including the first 2 Missionaries to Uganda, Frs. Tom O'Connor and Tom Smith. He was ordained Deacon the following May at St Camillus Killucan by Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath. During these months in Ireland Richard lived in the Dublin North Community while studying Clinical Pastoral Education at the Mater Misericordia University Hospital. He returned to Uganda after Diaconate and was ordained to the priesthood in Jinja by Bishop Joseph Willegers, MHM on the Feast of St Camillus, 14 July 2011. After ordination Richard lived in the house allocated to the Camillians in Nyenga Hospital. He was here with Fr. Shibin and they looked after the Pastoral ministry of Nyenga Hospital and helped in Nyenga Parish. The Community members at this time were Fr Johnson, Superior, Fr Shibin, Fr. Russel and Richard. Sadly less than two years later in May 2013 Fr Shibin died in India as a result of leukaemia. This was a terrible blow to all and particularly to Frs. Richard and Johnson. The Camillians had bought land near Jinja in Kimaka. Here we built a Health Centre in order to assist the needs of the local population and Richard became its Director. He was also Vocation Director. Richard was a man of prayer and a man of action. He was always busy. He was always courteous and respectful. He did not see Solemn Profession and ordination as an end in itself but the beginning of a life of service as a Camillian. As the first Ugandan Camillian he set a great example for others to follow. We pray they follow his example. He had a great love for the Order and he was well known and loved in Ireland as he spent time in Killucan and Dublin. He was always willing to work and help. Richard had tremendous enthusiasm for the life of the Order and for all with whom he was involved. He was outstanding in his commitment to his Camillian ministry. He extended his support to different sub Parishes by celebrating Masses and was always available to the Sick and the needy. He is well known in the Dioceses of Jinja and Lugazi. The fact that over 200 priests celebrated his Funeral Mass, presided over by The Bishop of Jinja and attended by over seven thousand people is testament to the impact he had in his six years of ministry. His death is a terrible blow to Uganda and the Anglo-Irish Province is deeply saddened by his passing; as is the Indian Province. His tragic and untimely death in a road accident has left us with great sorrow and disbelief. May his soul rest in peace. *************************************************
Fr Richard Lubaale, MI
We are sad and sorry to announce the untimely and sudden death of our beloved confrere, Richard Lubaale. He died in a tragic accident on Monday 6 November. May he rest in peace, Amen. The late Fr Richard on right, with the late Fr Shibin. Two great friends and confreres who worked hard for the Ugandan Mission Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest theologians in the history of the church, here focuses on the passion of Jesus Christ not only to redeem us but also to teach us. Indeed, the cross exemplifies every virtue and teaches us all we have to know about Christian discipleship. For the Feast of St. Thomas on January 28. Why did the Son of God have to suffer for us? There was a great need, and it can be considered in a twofold way: in the first place, as a remedy for sin, and secondly, as an example of how to act. It is a remedy, for, in the face of all the evils which we incur on account of our sins, we have found relief through the passion of Christ. Yet, it is no less an example, for the passion of Christ completely suffices to fashion our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the cross and desire what he desired, for the cross exemplifies every virtue. If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake. If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. Therefore Christ’s patience on the cross was great. In patience let us run for the prize set before us, looking upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him, bore his cross and despised the shame. If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die. If you seek an example of obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. For just as by the disobedience of one man, namely, Adam, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous. If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Upon the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink. Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because they divided my garments among themselves. Nor to honors, for he experienced harsh words and scourgings. Nor to greatness of rank, for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head. Nor to anything delightful, for in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink
1st Baby born at St Camillus, Jinja Uganda Baby Girl was born at 9pm on Saturday 20 August 2016. All are well and everyone is happy. A big thank you to all the Camillians, our Staff, Friends & Benfactors. Christine Nyamopuro and Baby girl. Both doing well. Dad too. Photos published with permission. We have extended our hours from 8-5 to 24/7 in order to meet the requests of our female patients who have continuously expresesed their desire to give birth in our Health Centre rather than being referred on to other midwifery services when they had reached 5 months gestation; which had previously been the case. Having examined all options the Provincial Council in conjunction with the Ugandan Camillians has opted to increase our service in order to accomodate this happy event and please God, many more. A big thank to all our friends and benefactors. God bless you all. Fr Stephen
AGM 2016 The participants at the AGM held in Killucan. ST. CAMILLUS NURSING CENTRE, KILLUCAN, IRELAND Caring for Older people for 40 Years : 1976 - 2016
*************************************** UGANDA LATEST To see the latest on Uganda scroll down to the bottom of this page and check out the three short videos. The first shows a patient requesting more facilities from us. The second shows Fr Richard Lubaale(1st Ugandan Camillian) talking about the St Camillus Health Centre. The third shows the Provincial, Fr Stephen Foster talking briefly about the Centre and thanking by name the donors who have generously given us their donations for our Health work in this most deprived area. (Apologies for any transmission breaks.) ***************************************** FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 2015 The community celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass and a community celebration Bro Augustine, Fr. William Coleman (P.P. Rochfortbridge) & Bro. Camillus
ST. CAMILLUS NURSING CENTRE - KILLUCAN - CO. WESTMEATH St. Camillus Nursing Centre is seeking a highly motivated Staff Nurse to join our established team Day and Night Rotation - Full Time 36 hours A passion for older, vulnerable people and End of Life Care is essential Good Communicator and Team Player Could this be you? Please send your CV to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange an informal visit **************************** WE MAINTAIN A WAITING LIST FOR LONG-TERM CARE If you are interested please contact Bro. John O'Brien on 044-9374196 if you would like to make an appointment to discuss the possibility of place at St. Camillus, now or in the future ******************************** CLICK HERE FOR LATEST UGANDA NEWS ******************************** THE FEAST OF ST CAMILLUS 14th July 2015 Fr Frank, Fr William Coleman (Parish Priest Rochfortbridge), Bro. Augustine, Bro Camillus and Fr. Tomy (in front) among those celebrating the Feast Day in Killucan
Marie and Holly are regular visitors to the Nursing Centre in Killucan. Here they are with Eileen ********************* At St. Camillus Nursing Centre we have officially opened and blessed our Fourth Centenary Peace Garden which includes Sensory Plants, allowing the residents to smell, feel, hear, taste as well as see and enjoy different flowers and ever-greens
It was created to mark the Fourth Centenary of the death of St. Camillus ********************************************** BIOGRAPHY OF ST. CAMILLUS The 83 page booklet is post-card size with clear, black text As well as the story of St. Camillus, it contains the Novena to St. Camillus and prayers used by the residents at St. Camillus Nursing Centre AVAILABLE TO BUY FOR €3 FROM ST CAMILLUS KILLUCAN OR BY POST
The total cost by post is €6.60 for posting within Republic of Ireland €7.60 for all other destinations including Northern Ireland Cheques or Postal Orders should be made payable to: Order of St Camillus Brother John O'Brien, MI, St. Camillus, Killucan, Co. Westmeath *******************
Fr Stephen in front of the almost completed Camillian Seminary at Kimaka, Jinja with Mr Philip, Site Manager Photo taken 12 March 2015. During the visit by the Provincial. Fr Stephen was able to see all of the latest developments at Kimaka and Jinja. The St. Camillus Health Centre is progressing well. We thank Dr Lilias Lamont for volunteering 4 weeks of her Paediatric sevices to our Health Centre. See Dr. Lilias' account of her experiences below.The Seminary will be completed by end of June and ready for the official opening in July. The Seminarians will then be able to transfer from their present accomodation in Jinja, which is in a dilapidated state, to this new Residence. Click here to read Dr Lilias Lamont's account of her vountary work
Dr Lilias at work.and see below
March 2015, the Provincial, Fr Stephen visited the confreres in Uganda some of the staff with Fr Stephen
Frs Jofree, Johnson, Richard, Stephen & Biju ********* Click here to read Pope Francis' Letter for World Day of the Sick 2015
Lillie (pictured below) and the Lay Camillian Family in Killucan prepared over 15 Christmas Hampers for those in need A very big Thank You to everyone who contributed to our Annual Hamper Appeal 2014
Ckick here for some new Christmas pictures from our Nursing Centre in Killucan ******** His Eminence Cardinal Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Religious Life, visited Ireland in July to commemorate the IV Centenary of the death of St Camillus The Cardinal celebrated Mass, together with Bishop Michael Smith of Meath, members of the Order and very many visitors, on the Feast of St Camillus on Sunday 13 July at St Camillus Nursing Centre
Cardinal Braz de Aviz with Bishop Michael Smith of Meath
The Cardinal blesses one of the residents of St Camillus Nursing Centre after the Mass
Cardinal Braz de Aviz seen here with the Provincial, Fr Stephen Foster, in Rome in June. ******* THE ORDER OF ST CAMILLUS HAS ELECTED A NEW SUPERIOR GENERAL FR. LEO PESSINI
Fr Leo was born on May 14, 1955 in Santa Caterina, Brazil and made his first profession in 1975 and final vows in 1978 and ordained priest in 1980. He finished Philosophy at Our Lady of the Assumption of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Theology at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, and did specialization in Clinical Pastoral Education, Moral Theology and Bioethics. He is the vice-Rector of the University of San Camillo in Sao Paolo and the chairman of the Camillian organizations which includes 56 hospitals in Brazil. He is the editorial director of two scientific journals and has published many articles on bioethical issues, ministry of health and the humanization of care. Ad Multos Annos! ************* The residents have been displaying their art work
****** Click here for latest Newsletter (N.B. original version prior to printing) ************************** UGANDA Fr Stephen's recent visit.
Frs Johnson & Stephen outside St Camillus Clinic, Kimaka, Jinja
Frs Johnson, Jofree & Biju
Jofree, Stephen & The Contractor
At the Site
Loading up Betty, Annie and Anne in one of our new bedrooms Click on the picture to see some more pictures of our Nursing Centre upgrading project in Killucan Over the past 15 months we have been upgrading, decorating and building to really improve the quality of the residents home and we're nearly finished --0--
New Camillians arrive in Uganda in late September. Fr Jofree, Fr Biju together with Fr Richard Fr Biju Fr Jofree St. Camillus, the Adventurer Today’s Good Samaritan The care for the sick and the concern for them and their family members, discovered by St. Camillus, form the core value of the Camillian mission and ministry. Our guide and rules of engagement are very simply and clearly set down for us in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke’s gospel, chapter 10. There are three protagonists within the parable: the brigands who ........read more below in the news section Do you have any comments or suggestions? Ring 01-8304635. Click here for the latest NEWSLETTER Click here for information on St. Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan, Co. Westmeath, Ireland. 'I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.' (Psalms) Click on the link below to read HIQA's report on our Nursing Centre
http://www.nursinghomes.ie/nursinghomes_1093_St.-Camillu-Nuring-Home-Killucan_Westmeath.html SEE BELOW CONVERSION OF ST CAMILLUS
Conversion of St Camillus - 2 February 1575 1575 was a severe winter which meant there were no wars to be fought so Camillus, the mercenary, was unemployed. Rather than beg he went to work for the Capuchins in Manfredonia. The local superior sent him to the monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo to get supplies. He stayed overnight and that evening fell into serious conversation with Fr Angelo. This conversation on the meaning of life was to have a profound effect on Camillus. On his way back to Manfredonia the next day, he got off his horse in a desolate place aptly named the Valley of Hell and decided to give his life to God. Camillus the mercenary underwent a complete transformation. His addiction to gambling ceased. He learnt to control his violent temper; he had once challenged a fellow soldier to a duel unto death because of alleged cheating at the card tables. He was now on fire with a maternal and untiring care for others and he set about channelling his strong emotions into fighting for the rights of the sick. He was the precursor of modern day nursing care. The Pope of the time, Sixtus V, credited Camillus as the 'founder of a new school of charity.' By opening his heart to the grace of God, Camillus became an extraordinary saint. He grew to seeing God in every person and every man and woman became his brother and sister. Prayer: Lord, through the intercession of St Camillus help me to find the path you have laid out for me on the path of life. Guide me towards you and to a greater awareness of my fellow men and women and their needs. Amen
St Camillus. Patron Saint of the Sick & those who care for them. Read here an account of St Camillus' conversion from violence and addiction. Camillus as a young man – a man of violence and an addict. ‘In 1567(at this time he was 17) he went to Francavilla a Mare in order to be enlisted in the army of the Venetians but in vain. Some years later, in 1570, he tried again; this time he was accompanied by his father who became seriously ill and died at Saint Elpidio by the sea (Ascoli Piceno). Meanwhile he contracted a small sore on his right foot preceded by a small blister to the left above the malleolus. That small sore, which when rubbed turned red and bled, became a wound for which no cure was available and because of this Camillus suffered very much during his whole life, without any doctor succeeding in giving an exact diagnosis. Moreover, he was also struck by a slight persistent fever that made him very weak. At Fermo, two Franciscan Friars with their modest and recollected gait, attracted his attention. A desire or fancy grew within him to imitate them and he vowed to become a Franciscan. For this reason he went to Aquila, where a maternal uncle, Fr Paolo da Loreto Aprutino, was a guardian of Saint Bernadine Monastery and asked for the religious habit. After some days of reflection and counselling by his uncle, Camillus gave up the idea and went to Rome for treatment in the main hospital of St Giacomo (St James). He stayed there from March 7 to December 31, 1571, first as a patient and then from April 1 as a hospital attendant. Being “terribly hard-headed” he was always arguing with his superiors and his companions; having lost interest in the patients, he dropped his commitments as a hospital attendant “so as to be able to play cards to which he was always inclined and he would go along the river banks of the Tiber to play with the barcaroles of Ripetta”. He was dismissed and having enrolled in the army of Venice, he took part in the campaign against the Turks. In 1573 and 1574 he was a soldier of the Spanish army. In this entire period, he was a typically adventurous soldier of the 16th century. “Big, strong limbed, violent, he played with his life, so as to be able to play with money in the taverns, on the wine-filled tables, or in the encampments over inverted drums.” He challenged one of his companions at arms to a duel, suffered a fever and dysentery and his life was in danger many times; but most of all, he gambled and lost so much that he was left in great misery. In his hardest moments, he would run to God, renewing his vow to become a Friar as happened on October 28, 1574 during a storm at sea while travelling from Palermo to Naples. Towards the end of 1574, he had to beg for alms in Manfredonia; finally, he found a job in a Capuchin monastery as a helper, with the task of providing stones and cement for the construction of the monastery. February 2, 1575, Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, marked his conversion, bringing a total change of his life and the start of his dedication to the service of the Lord. When he went to Saint Giovanni Rotondo on the vigil of the feast to bring provisions for the Friars of that monastery he had a deep religious conversation with the Father Guardian, Fr Angelo. The next morning, on his way back to Manfredonia, immersed in the thoughts inculcated by the good Capuchin, he felt deeply and intimately transformed. Prostrated on the ground by the wayside, he professed and implored loudly: “Miserable and unhappy me, who for such a long time ignored you, my God and did not love you. Give me time to do penance and to weep for a long time for my sins. Not anymore the world, not anymore the world for me.” He even promised to be a Capuchin. He entered the Order and put on the habit but was dismissed after a few months of novitiate for the worsening of his sore on his foot. He returned to S. Giacomo (Hospital in Rome) to be cured where he stayed on from 23 October 1575 to 20 June 1579 with common edification, curing and assisting the sick under the spiritual guidance of Saint Philip Neri. In 1579, believing he was cured, he wanted to return to the Capuchins at Tagliacozzo, with the name Friar Christopher and resumed his religious life. But soon after, the wound reopened and he was inevitably dismissed...................’
(Sannazzaro Pietro, Camillian Order 1550-1699 A History, pp62-64, English translation)
The Statue underneath the portrait of the young St Camillus caring for the Sick. Our website, whilst now live is still very much a project in beginning and we hope to add more and more to it with the passage of time. Launched on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December, 2009. Prayer for today. 'He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him.' Acts of the Apostles 10:38 Please click on our menu items to learn more about our Order and our way of life.
Fr Stephen Foster pushes the button to launch the website. Below The original team who designed the layout. left to right back row Fr Vincent Xavier, Fr Martin Geraghty, Ms Margaret Sleator, Ms Myriam Massabo at the front Fr Stephen Foster & Fr John Philip |