Camillian Fathers and Brothers

The Camillians Fathers and Brothers is a Roman Catholic Order also known by the following names - Order of Clerics Regular, Ministers to the Sick, Ministers of the Infirm, and Order of St Camillus. The Order was founded in 1582 by St. Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614). Members of the Order are recognised by the large red cross they wear on their black cassocks which was subsequently adopted as the international symbol of medical care. The Order also uses the designatory initials M.I to identify them as belonging to the Order. In Italian, M.I, means Ministri degli Infermi (Ministers of the Infirm).

As of 2018, there were approximately 1080 brothers and priests of the Order of St. Camillus serving in 42 countries. The priests and brothers mainly serve as chaplains for hospitals as well as working in parishes. Apart from the three vows all Catholic priests make -poverty, chastity and obedience - members of the Order also take a fourth vow which is to serve the sick who are poor, even when they are infectious, even at the risk to their own lives.

As of 2014, there were approximately 15 priests and brothers serving in Australia. Like other members around the world, they were mainly serving in hospitals in New South Wales and in certain parishes in Western Australia.

Like other religious orders around Australia, the Camillian Order has been involved in allegations of child sexual abuse by certain members of its Order. One specific member is Father Patrick Holmes who served in various parishes in Perth and has been charged by Western Australian Police over numerous alleged incidents of sexual abuse committed approximately 40 years ago. In 2018, Father Holmes pleaded not guilty to 16 charges dealing with child sexual abuse. He was listed to face court in 2019 over those charges.

We invite former victims of sexual and physical abuse by any member of the Camillian Order to tell us confidentially what information they may have, and we will explain what options are available to help with these cases.

Call us or complete the confidential enquiry form below.