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A long and rich history

In 2021 the Camillian Order will observe the centennial of its arrival in the United States. Fr. Michael Mueller arrived from Germany in September of that year. He came to Wisconsin initially to look at land that had been offered to the community. As it turned out the land was not a suitable place to build a hospital, but Milwaukee was fertile ground for the community to put down roots. This was confirmed when the community opened St. Camillus Hospital in Wauwatosa in 1932.

Mueller and his fellow Germans maintained a strong presence in the Camillians well into the 1960s, but American men would need to join if the community was going to prosper. A novitiate was built in 1935 and a House of Studies in 1942 in order to encourage Americans to join. That effort largely succeeded until the 1980s when many religious communities found it difficult to attract vocations. Still the order had sufficient numbers to see multiple expansions of their facility in Wauwatosa and, with the addition of some Italian priests, the opening of St. Camillus Hospital in Whitinsville, Massachusetts in 1964.

As time passed the community became a healthy mix of men from around the world. Today the USA Camillians include members from: Brazil, Italy, Nigeria, India, Viet Nam, Philippines and the United States. While the nationalities of the Camillians have changed over the years, but the commitment of all of these men has remained the same. That is, to provide compassionate and loving care to all people. Throughout this centennial year monthly columns will be published that look at the Camillians and their impact on the areas they have served.

USA Camillians timeline

1

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Fr. Michael Mueller, the first Camillian in the United States, arrived in New York on September 17, 1921.

2

Original Buildings

The first Camillian Community House and St. Camillus Hospital on South 26th Street and Lapham Avenue in Milwaukee.

3

The First Community

On January 24, 1924, Bro. Hohn (not pictured), Bro. Knopps, Frs. Mansfeld, Kramer and Langenkamp from the German Province opened the first Camillian Hospital in Milwaukee.

4

A New Hospital

Camillian religious in front of the newly opened St. Camillus Hospital in Wauwatosa in 1932.

5

Providing Care

Camillian Brothers Martin Van den Eng and Michael Zingsheim adjust the flow of oxygen to a resident in 1965.

6

Addition

St. Camillus Hospital after the addition was made to the front of the building in 1968.

7

A Special Gift

Statue of our patron St. Camillus de Lellis made by an artist in Munich, Germany and gifted to the USA Camillians.

8

Laid to Rest

Priests and brothers of the USA Camillians are laid to rest in the St. Mary of the Pines Cemetery at Durward’s Glen near Baraboo, Wisconsin.

9

Trying New Things

San Camillo opened in 1986 with an addition in 1991.  It was the Camillians’ first expansion into independent living.

10

Expansion

The East Residence. Future addition of San Camillo Independent Living.

Monthly Anniversary Blog

Planned Events for the Year

This is a provisory calendar. Events are subject to change. In January 2022, a publication presenting the events of the centennial will be produced.

January

  • Friday, 15th - Launch 100th for Employees
  • Launch Centennial Prayer
  • Sunday, 17th - Launch 100th Anniversary at Mass
  • Launch - Seal/Stamp, Logo/Motto, Calendar, Banners for parking lots, Billboard with events

February

  • Wednesday, 10th, 17th, 24th –Traveling Historical Display includes Book of Camillian Religious Deceased
  • Website Updates

March

  • Glass Art w/logo in Community House
  • Educational Program

April

  • Provincial Pictures in Community House
  • Launching the Mansfeld Book

May

  • Monday, 17th - 100 lbs. of food (donation)
  • Educational Program
  • Cornerstone for the new building

June

  • Programs by Relevant Radio
  • Trip to Durward’s Glen

July

  • Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner
  • St. Camillus Feast Week
  • Community Coffee at San Camillo with Camillians
  • Educational Program

August

  • Timeline - Life of St Camillus at Community House

September

  • Friday, 17th - 100 Year Anniversary Picnic with special 100th cake
  • Monument Dedication
  • Article in Catholic Herald

October

  • Timeline - Order of St. Camillus at Community House

November

  • Timeline - USA Camillian Delegation at Community House

December

  • Closing Mass of Thanksgiving

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