Saint of the Day: St Gregory Barbarigo

Gregory Barbarigo was born in Venice, Italy, on September 16, 1625. His family was wealthy and influential and active in diplomatic circles. Following a basic education in religious and secular subjects, Gregory accompanied his father to Munster, Germany, for the signing of the treaty of Westphalia. There, he met the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Fabio Chigi, who introduced him to some of the great spiritual writers, most notably, St. Francis De Sales.

When he returned home to Venice, Gregory earned doctorates both in Canon and Civil Law. He decided on joining the priesthood two years later and was ordained in 1655. Within months, he was called to Rome by Fabio Chigi, the newly elected Pope, now known as Alexander VII.

Gregory was known for his charity. He perfomed heroically in serving the material and spiritual needs of the afflicted during a plague that broke out in Rome in 1656.

The Pope named him the first Bishop of Bergamo in 1657. He became a veritable whirlwind – reforming the seminary, introducing education courses thoroughout the Diocese, and implementing the Decrees of the Council of Trent.

Bishop Barbarigo was made a Cardinal in 1660 and transferred to Padua in 1667. There he continued fostering education, libraries and pastoral visitations. He also expanded his interests to promoting reunion between the Easter Churches and Rome. A printing plant was established to print in Eastern languages to facilitate communication and understanding between Eas and West. He never saw the results of his efforts. Cardinal Barbarigo died in 1697 at the age of 72. He was canonized in 1960 by Pope John XXIII.