St. Charles Borromeo, Archbishop (1584 AD)
Full Name: St. Charles Borromeo
Period: 1538 – 1584 AD (Passed away: November 3, 1584)
Feast Date: November 04
Birthplace: Arona, Italy
Significance: Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal, Church reformer, patron of catechists and seminaries.
Youth and the Council of Trent
Born into a noble family, he earned a doctorate in law in his youth and was elevated to Cardinal and Chief Secretary to the Pope at age 22.
He played a primary role in implementing the decisions of the historic Council of Trent, which brought revival to the Church.
He played a major role in creating the Roman Catechism to easily teach Catholic faith to the people.
Archbishopric of Milan and Reforms
Upon taking charge as Archbishop of Milan, he renounced royal luxuries and embraced a simple, penitential life.
To provide proper spiritual formation to priests, he established suitable seminaries for the first time, forming holy priests.
Because he strictly enforced morality and discipline in the Church, an assassination attempt was made on his life; he miraculously survived and generously forgiven his attacker.
Sacrificial Service During the Plague
In 1576 AD, when a deadly plague broke out in Milan, officials and wealthy citizens fled the city out of fear.
However, he stayed in Milan regardless of his life, using his personal assets and Church funds to provide food and medical assistance daily to thousands of sick and poor people.
He walked barefoot carrying a cross in procession, praying with tears to save the city.
Spiritual Lesson
St. Charles Borromeo's life teaches us the noble values of practicing extreme simplicity despite holding high office and wealth, serving others selflessly during critical times, and steadfastly preserving the holiness of the Church.