Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cadis
Rome (Fides News Agency) – More than 300 witnesses sacrificed their lives in service to the sick, the wounded, and the forgotten, often amidst wars, epidemics, and disasters. “Their legacy is not just a memory we preserve; it is a living vocation that continues to shape us and influence our actions,” said Father José Ignacio Santaolalla Sáez, MI, President of Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS International), on the Feast of the Camillian Martyrs of Charity on May 25.
“On this day commemorating the martyrs, let us pray together for justice and peace in the world, as part of the Novena to the Camillian Martyrs of Charity, which began on May 16,” the missionary wrote in a statement sent to Fides. “Let us also ask ourselves and reflect on this: How are we called to embody their spirit in a world marked by complex and prolonged crises? Where are we called to show solidarity, even when it is difficult or costly? These are the questions that will shape our fidelity to the mission entrusted to us.”
“The Camillian martyrs were not simply figures of the past; their stories bear witness to the same courage and devotion that continue to inspire healthcare workers today. They lived and died in the spirit of the Camillian charism: to serve the sick, even at the risk of their own lives. While we look back at the past, we must not ignore the urgent cries for help from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Entire communities are directly affected by the violence: families are being displaced from their homes, the wounded desperately need medical care, children are deprived of safety and education, and health systems are stretched to their limits,” said the CADIS President, who highlighted the many needs that must be met, including emergency medical care for the wounded, access to vital medicines, psychosocial support for those traumatized by war, the protection of the most vulnerable, and the restoration of fundamental human dignity. “Equally important are the long-term needs,” adds Father José Ignacio, “to rebuild community structures, secure livelihoods, strengthen local health capacities, and foster the resilience of the population in this ongoing uncertainty.”
“As we commemorate this day, we must also confront the broader realities shaping our humanitarian situation. The convergence of armed conflict, climate-related disasters, and global health problems exacerbates people’s vulnerability. The example of the Camillian Martyrs of Charity reminds us that our response cannot be partial or hesitant. It must be courageous, coordinated, and deeply rooted in our identity,” he adds.
“May the witness of the Camillian Martyrs of Charity continue to inspire us,” concludes the President of CADIS International, “May their sacrifice guide our response to the urgent needs of our time. And may our shared mission, even in small but significant steps, contribute to restoring peace and dignity for all.” (AP) (Fides News Agency, 21/5/2026)
