Incorrupt heart of patron of the sick visits Davao

Long queues and huge crowds never stopped the faithful of Davao City from their desire to get a glimpse and venerate the incorrupt heart of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron of the sick, doctors and nurses.

St. Camillus founded the Ministers of the Infirm or Camillians, a congregation that caters to the sick, who also brought the 404-year-old relic in the city.

After visiting the country and Davao City in 2013, the heart relic is back for devotees and the faithful to venerate from March 12 to 15.

After arriving at the Davao International Airport, the relic was brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center Chapel along J.P. Laurel Ave., for a Holy Mass and public veneration.

On March 13, the relic was brought to the Davao Medical School Foundation for public veneration then back to SPMC for two Holy Mass schedules, anointing of the sick, and public veneration which lasted until 12:00 midnight.

On March 14, the incorrupt heart was brought to San Pedro Hospital, where the Camillians also had their chaplaincy. Holy Mass, anointing of the sick and public veneration were also held at their chapel.

On March 15, a motorcade from Buhangin to San Pedro Cathedral was held where the relic was accepted through a solemn rite. Holy Mass and public veneration were done as well as the anointing of the sick. Public veneration followed.

On March 16, the heart relic was brought to the Diocese of Mati to continue its 57-day journey from February 2 to March 31 in the different areas of the Philippines.