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.

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 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.

We are guided by four pillars:

RELIEF: We deliver and conduct immediate relief services to survivors of natural and non-natural disasters by providing food and non-food items, supporting the medical, psycho-emotional and spiritual needs.

RECOVERY: We assist survivors to rebuild their families and communities by restoring and improving what has been lost and destroyed such as livelihood, shelter and social cohesion in their community.

RESILIENCY: We strengthen and build people’s capacities and improve their social condition that will enhance self-protection and rebuild community assets to protect them from adverse impact of disasters.

RIGHTS: We long for an enduring impact and transformation to the lives of the vulnerable families and communities by nurturing their consciousness to the fundamental rights and obligations to protect the individual, community and our “common home.”

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