Today, November 4, is the memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo.
Patron saint of seminarians and catechists.
Charles was born in 1538 to a very wealthy and noble family. His parents were Count Gilberto Borromeo and Margaret de’ Medici. His maternal uncle was Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Medici, who became Pope Pius IV.
Charles was made a cardinal at the young age of 23 by Pope Pius IV. He was tasked in helping the Pope govern the Church. Charles was later made Archbishop of Milan. He is best remembered for his efforts on behalf of the 19th Ecumenical Council of Trent (1545-1564). He then proceeded to enforce its decrees in the Archdiocese of Milan.
When there was a plague, he walked barefoot in the streets. He did not abandon his city. Instead, he used his own funds to feed the people. He even carried a cross with a rope around his neck, offering himself as a victim to God for the transgressions of his people.
Coming from the powerful Medici family, Charles decided to spend his fortune in serving the people of his diocese. He was a tireless defender of the Catholic faith from the debacle caused by Martin Luther and his followers.
He established schools for the poor, hospitals, and children’s Sunday schools. He put a lot of premium in leading his people by example.
He believed that abuses in the church arose from ignorant clergy. To address this concern, Charles established seminaries, colleges, and communities for the education of candidates for holy orders.
He died of natural causes in 1584 at the age of 46. He was beatified in 1602 by Pope Clement VIII. He was canonized in 1610 by Pope Paul V.