Our History

Our-history

The Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS) is inspired by the heroic commitment of the Camillians in witnessing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during the massive plagues, epidemics and wars in Italy and Hungary - the so-called Festivals of Charity of the 16th-17th centuries. Hundreds of Camillians died while assisting the people in the plague-stricken areas. The Camillians vowed to serve the sick even in danger to their own lives and promote the new “School of Charity” (caring for the sick like a mother caring for her only child both corporally and spiritually)  which St. Camillus founded. The corporal and the spiritual works of mercy stand as the primary purpose and the fundamental charism of the “new school of charity of St. Camillus. Today, the Camillians are  engaged in the healthcare ministry of the Church in 37 countries in Europe, Africa, Americas and Asia.

In 1994, the Order has instituted May 25 as the Feast of the Martyrs of Charity in honor of the 300 Camillian martyrs of charity who died witnessing the 4th vow, i.e., service to the sick even in danger to their own lives.

In 1995, the 54th General Chapter of the Order has mandated the General Council to study and establish a Task Force that would respond to the socio-health emergencies of the time. A Central Commission was formed by a group of Camillian religious and lay collaborators whose special task is to organize a special team of health professionals, lay and religious ready to intervene in any event of disasters which was then called the Camillian Task Force (CTF).

The frequency and growing magnitude of natural and man-made disasters calls for the creative engagement of the Camillian Task Force with the vulnerable communities often affected by disasters. In 2015, the CTF was transformed into a legal foundation duly registered to the government of Italy called the Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS) Foundation. CADIS adherents serve the most vulnerable families with passion and focused commitment, rooted as it were on the prophetic spirit of St. Camillus de Lellis.

The Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS) Foundation is a non-profit, legally registered humanitarian and development organization of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians), a Catholic religious Order founded by St. Camillus de Lellis in 1586. 

CADIS serves the humanitarian, psychosocial-pastoral and development needs of people affected by the natural and non-natural disasters. It is an expression of the Order’s commitment and support to the global humanitarian mission by witnessing the mercy and compassion of Christ to those who are sick, suffering and most vulnerable populace.

CADIS is composed of lay people, religious (sisters, brothers and priests) and organizations who share its mission and respect the Catholic social teachings and principles and the Camillian spirituality of service to the sick and suffering even at the risk of their own lives.

CADIS has programs in highly disaster-prone countries of Nepal, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Haiti, Burkina Faso, Benin, Peru and Chile as well as in Italy and Austria. It works in partnership with the local Church where it is present and with other humanitarian organizations in the ground. In most of these countries, CADIS has strategic local offices as well as local partner organizations to ensure timely, coordinated and organized response to emergencies.

Our Story

Our Inspiration

Our Vision and Mission

Our Core Values

Our Approach (4RS)

Rendering service to the victims of disasters and emergencies (wars, epidemics and pestilences) has been in the Heart of the Camillians. From 16th -17th century, those who are joining the Camillians were pretty much aware of its three principal ministries of service to the sick in the a) hospitals, b) homes and c) in times of pestilences or epidemics. In fact, during the 24-year Generalate of St. Camillus 240 Camillian religious died as martyrs in places marred by epidemics and pestilences in Italy. 


In 1994, the Order has instituted May 25 as the Feast of the Martyrs of Charity in honor of the 300 Camillian martyrs of charity who died witnessing the 4th vow, i.e., service to the sick even in danger to our own life. The fourth vow is the very linchpin that opens the door to the Camillians and to all those who share in the spirit of St. Camillus to develop and experience its richness in responding to the signs of the times.

In 1995, the 54th General Chapter (in Bucchianico) of the Order has approved the establishment of a task force that would respond to the socio-health emergencies in the different parts of the world. In April 2000, the General Council, headed by Fr. Angelo Brusco, the former general superior has created a Central Commission led by Fr. Antonio Menegon, together with Frs. Pietro Magliozzi, Sergio Palumbo, Scott Francis Binet, Massimo Miraglio and Mr. Renato Bicego, whose main task is to organize and form a special team of lay and religious ready to intervene in any event of disasters which later on they called the Camillian Task Force (CTF).

This initiative has been supported and developed by the Order in the course of time and reaffirmed by the series of general chapters of 2001 and 2007. Re-inventing and re-creating the original vision of Camillus of a Camillian who is conscious of the new challenges and opportunities of the modern times and willing to live in creative fidelity to his prophetic vocation and preferential choice to serve the poorest of the poor, the Camillian Task Force came to its birth. “It is commonly held belief that it is in opting for the most abandoned that the Order fulfills the prophetic role […] by defending the rights of the weak, […] exposing injustices, intervening with task forces, and focusing attention not just on the individual but also on the formation of healthy and healing communities.” (Cf. 55th Gen. Chapter, 2001). Furthermore, “it is our responsibility to work for justice and solidarity in the world of health together, promoting good cooperation between the Provinces, the Delegations and the great Camillian Family of St. Camillus, and also with members of the laity [...] expressed in different ways, such as, supporting the Camillian Task Force in its urgent interventions in situations of natural catastrophe.” (56th General Chapter, 2007).

In 2004, CTF was raised into an office of the General Council headed by Fr. Scott Binet. In 2007, it was integrated into the office of the Secretariat for Mission headed by Bro. Luca Perletti. In 2010, a reorganization and expansion of CTF were called forth. Since then, the CTF expands to the various provinces and delegations of the Order such as the Philippines, Thailand, India, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Kenya and USA. These offices serve as the primary arm in responding to disasters in their respective places or region. The central office assists these offices in developing their capacities through formative activities, developing emergency intervention plan (short/ long-term programs), and seeking funds and grants to sustain local project/s initiated. The CTF central office does not envision to be a super body that manages and operates in all local disaster intervention projects but maintains its character of being an animator and protagonist to humanitarian missions of the Order.

Our People

BR. JOSE' IGNACIO SANTAOLALLA, MI
BR. JOSE' IGNACIO SANTAOLALLA, MI
President and Legal representative

Br José Ignacio Santaolalla Saez, MI was born on December 19, 1966 in Spain. He joined the Camillians and made his solemn profession in 1992. After earning his bachelor's degree in theology at the Pontifical University of Comillas (Madrid), he obtained his licentiate in Health Pastoral Theology at the "Camillianum" in Rome. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the Autonomous University of Madrid, and a master's degree in Direction of Social Centers for the Elderly from Pablo de Olavide University (Seville). He has been appointed bursar general and legal representative of the Order since 2014. He is the president of the Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS) Foundation since 2016. He has held various positions in the Camillian Province of Spain. Administrator of the Center for Humanization of Health; provincial councilor, director of the San Camillus Residence for the Elderly in Seville, vice president of the foundation of the San Camillo Hospital in Sant Pere de Ribes. With his remarkable record as an administrator, he contributes to making CADIS innovative and true to its Vision and Mission.

Fr. Aristelo Miranda, MI
Fr. Aristelo Miranda, MI
Executive Director

Fr Aristelo Miranda, MI was born on September 3, 1967 in the Philippines. He joined the Camillians and made his profession of solemn vows in 1994. In the same year he was ordained a priest. He majored in Philosophy at St Camillus College Seminary in Marikina and in Theology at Loyola School of Theology (Manila). He holds two licenses in Health Pastoral Theology from Camillianum and one in Social Sciences from Angelicum (Rome).

In the Philippines, he held various positions as rector St. Camillus College Seminary, as hospitalist, financial administrator, member of the council of the Camillian Province of the Philippines, health director, international coordinator of the Camillian Task Force (CTF), from 2014 to 2022 he was a member of the General Consulta and executive director of CADIS since 2016, the latter position he still holds today. Fr. Aris has served in the Order's humanitarian missions in Asia and Africa since 2011, expertly facilitating disaster response within the Order's provinces and coordinating relief efforts. His compassion for the most vulnerable and socially excluded populations is an impetus that makes him enthusiastic about CADIS.

Fr. Médard Aboue, MI
Fr. Médard Aboue, MI
Board of Directors, Vice President

Fr. Médard Aboue was born on June 8, 1973 in Togo. He entered the Order in 1995. He made his first vows in 2000 followed by solemn profession in 2004 and priestly ordination in 2006. He holds a doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome after obtaining a first licentiate in Health Pastoral Theology from the Camillianum in Rome and a master's degree in Bioethics and Human Rights from the Faculty of Law at LUMSA in Rome (2010).
He was from 2005 to 2007 animator of the Pastoral Care of Vocations in the Benin-Togo Province and formator in the Camillian Seminary in Segbanou (Benin). From 2010 to 2013, he served as vicar pastor and later in 2018 he became administrator of St. Camillus Parish Church in Messina. From 2014 to 2016 he was elected superior of the Provincial Community of San Giorgio a Cremano of the Siculo-Napolitan Province. Until 2022 he served as Councilor in charge of Missions in the same Province. He was a Chaplain in various hospitals in Benin and Italy. Since 2022 he has been elected consultor of the Camillian Order of Ministers of the Infirm. His active involment in community ministry will be a necessary impetus to encourage the mission of CADIS.

Fr Pedro Tramontin, MI
Fr Pedro Tramontin, MI
Member, Board of Directors

Fr Pedro Tramontin, MI, was born on July 3, 1967 in Brazil. He made his solemn profession in 1992 and was ordained a priest on Sept. 28, 1996. He studied English at the Sacred Heart School of Theology. This was followed by studies concerning pastoral formation (CPE) at Lakeland Aurora Medica Center in Elkhorn (Wisconsin), a bachelor's degree in theology, and a master's degree in Spirituality the latter from Gregorian University. From 1997 to 2007 he was novice master in São Paulo, Brazil. In 2008 he served as vocation promoter of the Camillian Province of Brazil. In 2009 he was transferred to Milwaukee (WI) USA where he became the provincial delegate in 2013. In May 2022 he was elected superior general of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians). His experience in management in the United States will be of fundamental support for CADIS activities.

Fr. Baby Ellickal, MI
Fr. Baby Ellickal, MI
Member, Board of Directors

Fr. Baby Ellickal was born in India, on May 21, 1969. On June 19, 1987, he entered the religious order of the Ministers of the Infirm. After 11 years of formation taking various courses in science, sociology, English literature, philosophy, theology, and clinical pastoral education, he was ordained priest on Dec. 19, 1998. For more than 25 years he has served the Order in various capacities, as provincial, director, administrator of social and rehabilitation centers, coordinator of religious in various dioceses, social worker, professional counselor, lecturer in various universities, motivational speaker, retreat preacher, rector, superior and novice master. In 2022 he has been elected consultor of the Camillian Order of Ministers of the Infirm. A life of service to the Order and people that will have positive implications in supporting CADIS interventions.

Br. Paul Kaboré, MI
Br. Paul Kaboré, MI
Member, Board of Directors
Br. Paul Kaboré was born on January 1, 1974, in Burkina Faso. In 1996 he joined the Order by attending the Year of Camillian Spirituality at the "Juvenat Saint Camille" Seminary in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso. He continued his studies in philosophy at the diocesan Major Seminary Saints Peter and Paul in Ouagadougou. He made his First Profession on September 8, 2000. From that year until 2003 he attended the State School of Public Health (ENSP) in Ouagadougou and obtained his diploma as a professional nurse. He did his solemn religious profession of vows on September 8, 2004. He obtained a master's degree in theology of consecrated life at the Claretianum Institute in Rome and a Diploma as a nurse specialist in Electro Radiological Equipment at ENSP.
In the Province of Burkina Faso, he has held positions as Bursar in several communities, as Formator at St. Camillus School Seminary, as Head Nurse and Coordinator of Nurses at St. Camillus Hospital in Ouagadougou (HOSCO), and as Director of the Center for Social Assistance and Promotion (CANDAF). He has been the Coordinator of nursing and diagnostic techniques units at HOSCO in Ouagadougou. Since 2022, he has been elected consultor of the Camillian Order of Ministers of the Infirm. His decades of experience in the social and medical fields will surely have a fundamental impact in the work of CADIS.
Fr. Dan Cancino, MI
Fr. Dan Cancino, MI
Member, Board of Directors

Fr. Dan Cancino was born in the Philippines. Graduated in the Sciences of medical technology and sacred theology, he also completed several masters in educational management, public health (with doctorate), pastoral ministry, theology and a course in clinical psychology. He is currently vicar provincial of the Camillian Philippine province, the executive secretary of the commission of health care of the CBCP, director of the Camillians Philippines HIV and AIDS Ministry and HIV program consultant, member and co-chair of the Philippine Country Coordinating Mechanism (Phil-CCM), director of the St. Camillus Health Care Center in Cainta, Rizal and chairman of the Catholic Asia Pacific Coalition on HIV and AIDS (CAPCHA). He has long experience with CADIS as director of the Camillian Task Force Philippines since 2013. By strategically utilizing partnerships, he was able to design and manage the ambitious goal of conducting seven regional networks of organizations. His commitment includes research and training initiatives covering the whole country on human rights, violence, health and pastoral ministry to the sick and the vulnerable.

Fr. Francis Munene, MI
Fr. Francis Munene, MI
Member, Board of Directors
Fr. Francis Munene was born in Kenya. He is a Catholic Priest in the Order of St Camillus. He is currently pursuing Masters in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi. He completed his Degree in Philosophy from Consolata institute of Philosophy affiliated to Urbaniana University in 2007. In 2012 he completed his degree in Theology and was ordained a priest in 2015. He did diploma in Project management in 2015 and has been working with CADIS KENYA in various projects in North Eastern Parts of Kenya, Western parts of kenya and in the Slums.
He has been in active ministry of the sick as a chaplain in various hospitals in Kenya training in Clinical Pastoral education. He has held various leadership positions as local community animator, and administrator. Currently he is serving in the Provincial Delegation Council of Camillians Kenya as Delegation Vicar, in the office of Development, First Councilor in charge of ministry, and Chief Coordinator of CADIS KENYA. His commitment and passion towards the most vulnerable in the society, together with his vigour to be in the presence of the poor and suffering makes him to be more passionate about CADIS.
Sr. Liberty Jaraula Elarmo, MI
Sr. Liberty Jaraula Elarmo, MI
Member, Board of Directors

Sister Liberty “Beth” Elarmo, MI was born on July 3, 1959 in the Philippines. She joined the religious congregation of the Ministers of the Infirm in 1986, taking religious vows in 1991 (Italy). Sister Beth in addition to having a bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences, holds two master's degrees in Family Life and Child Development and in Special Education in Manila. She has extensive knowledge and experience in Child Development education having been the director of the Mary Sunday Development Center since 1994. She also became a formator of religious and superior delegate of the Philippines. Since 2022, she has been elected Vicar General of the Sisters of the Infirm of St. Camillus. Her passion for working with children and less privileged families will be a great impetus for her in working as a board member of CADIS. Sr. Beth is quite interested in conducting research and programming projects.

Sr. Haida Echevarria Schmidt, FSI
Sr. Haida Echevarria Schmidt, FSI
Member, Board of Directors
Sr. Haida Echevarria Schmidt was born on July 12, 1970 in Peru. Since 2020, she has earned numerous degrees and licenses: a master's degree in religious sciences from the Pontifical Lateran University, a bachelor's degree in nursing, a master's degree in nursing service management, language course at Sapienza University, a bachelor's degree in health sciences, and finally a master's degree in bioethics and law in 2022. In the meantime, she has served as a lecturer in spiritual human formation in Chile, is an auxiliary lecturer in the "Father Luigi Tezza" infirmary school, where she previously served as director of the professional infirmary course. In Peru she was novice mistress for religious formation. She currently serves as secretary and general councilor of the Order of the Daughters of St. Camillus.
In 2009, she participated in the emergency intervention in response to the earthquake in Chile with the Camillian Task Force (CTF). She attended the course "Training and Intervention on Post-Traumatic Stress", organized by the Centro de Humanización de la Salud in Madrid, Spain. All her educational and professional background, and willingness to put herself at the service of CADIS will be an invaluable help to the Foundation.
Dr. Consuelo Santamaria Repiso
Dr. Consuelo Santamaria Repiso
Member, Board of Directors
Dr. Consuelo Santamaria Repiso was born in Spain. She graduated in pedagogy from UNED - Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, has a PhD in Philosophy and Educational Sciences, Master in Counselling, Master in Humanization of Social Intervention from Centro de Humanización in Madrid. Author of several books, she specializes in grief support, counseling, child development, peer mediation. She has acquired remarkable professional skills through 30 years of experience in teaching psychopedagogy at different educational stages (primary, secondary and university). She is co-author of the CADIS “Handbook of Community-Dased Psycho-social support for people affected by disasters” (2019). She is currently a professor in several Master's programs at the Center for Humanization of Health (Tres Cantos - Religiosos Camilos), in collaboration with Ramón LLull University in Barcelona, and a professor in the Master's Program in Bereavement and the Master's Program in Palliative Care at the University of Lisbon.
She describes herself as a simple, active, enthusiastic person who wants to live what she believes in. And surely CADIS will benefit from all this because of her extreme empathy and professionalism.

Our Partners

Rural Missionaries of the Philippines

The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) is a national organization, inter-congregational and inter-diocesan in character, of women and men religious, priests and lay. 

I Missionari Rurali delle Filippine (RMP) sono un'organizzazione nazionale, a carattere intercongregazionale e interdiocesano, di religiosi e religiose, sacerdoti e laici. L'RMP, 

Health and Development for All Foundation

Health and Dev’t for All Foundation, Incorporated is a non-profit Foundation carrying out community-based integrated area development programs on maternal and childcare in the Philippines.

Health and Dev't for All Foundation, Incorporated è una fondazione senza scopo di lucro che porta avanti programmi comunitari di sviluppo integrato dell'area materna e infantile nelle Filippine.

Farmers' Development Center (FARDEC)

Central Visayas Farmers Development Center, Inc (FARDEC) serves as a support institution for the farmers in Central Visayas, Philippines, working hand-in-hand with the farmers in attaining genuine agrarian reform and sustainable development. 

Central Visayas Farmers Development Center, Inc (FARDEC) presta servizio come istituzione di supporto per gli agricoltori del Visayas Centrale, nelle Filippine, lavorando mano nella mano con gli agricoltori per raggiungere una vera riforma agraria e uno sviluppo sostenibile. 

Fondazione Albero della Vita

L’Albero della Vita is a humanitarian organization composed of three different non-profit organizations: Foundation (also ONG recognized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Social Cooperative, Volunteer Association. 

L'Albero della Vita è un'organizzazione umanitaria composta da tre diverse organizzazioni non profit: Fondazione (anche ONG riconosciuta dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri), Cooperativa sociale, Associazione di volontariato.  

Fondazione PROSA

PROSA is a non-profit foundation and aims to social solidarity in the fields of charity, education and socio-health care the needy populations in developing countries. 

PROSA è una fondazione senza scopo di lucro e mira alla solidarietà sociale nei campi della carità, dell'educazione e dell'assistenza socio-sanitaria delle popolazioni bisognose nei paesi in via di sviluppo. 

Our Resources