Saint of the Day: St. Charles Borromeo



St. Charles Borromeo is the patron saint of catechists and catechumens and his life and spirituality have inspired many religious orders, including the Scalabrinians, who minister to migrants and displaced peoples.

Charles was born in 1538 to an aristocratic family in Italy. As the second son, he was expected to serve the Church. Even though he was in the minor orders, he was named Cardinal Archbishop of Milan and Papal Secretary of State when his uncle, Pope Pius IV, became the new pontiff. Despite his privilege, Charles was not drawn to power and luxury. He lived during the Catholic Reformation, practiced asceticism and reformed his diocese, imposing severe discipline on clergy and laity alike. He served the Archdiocese of Milan until his death in 1584, at the age of 46.

For detailed information on his life, go here.

Quotes:

"If teaching and preaching is your job, then study diligently and apply yourself to whatever is necessary for doing the job well. Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head."

"We must meditate before, during and after everything we do. The prophet says:'I will pray, and then I will understand.' "

"This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are part of our work. In meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in other men."
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