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About Our Patron Saint Archives Clergy & Staff History Join St. Charles Mass Schedule Mission Statement Parish Council Photo Albums Policies Virtual TourAbout Our Patron Saint, St. Charles Borromeo
Biography of St. Charles Borromeo
| St. Charles Borromeo |
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St. Charles, of the noble family Borromeo,
was born on October 2, 1538 in the castle of
Arona at Lake Majiore in Italy. He received
the clerical tonsure at 12, as soon as his
age would allow. He studied at Milan and
later at the University of Pavia, where he
received his doctorate in civil and canon
law in 1559.
In the same year, his uncle, the Cardinal de
Medici, was elected Pope under the title of
Pius IV. In 1560, Pope Pius IV appointed St.
Charles, then 22, cardinal and archbishop of
Milan.
Later, as papal secretary of state, St.
Charles was instrumental in reassembling the
Council of Trent in 1562. He led the
reformation of the Church and was active in
composing the Roman Catechism, containing
the teaching of the Council.
Among his many contributions to the Church,
he encouraged the proper training of priests
by founding several seminaries and colleges.
He also supported religious instruction of
children.
His relief measures in Milan saved many
lives during the plague of 1576-78. A
painting of St. Charles Borromeo on the east
wall of our chapel shows him administering
to the sick during the plague.
St. Charles died on November 3 in Milan at
the age of 47. He was canonized in 1610. His
feast day is November 4.
St. Charles Borromeo Prayer
Almighty God,
You have generously made known to human
beings the mysteries of Your life through
Jesus Christ Your Son in the Holy Spirit.
Enlighten my mind to know these mysteries
which Your Church treasures and teaches.
Move my heart to love them and my will to
live in accordance with them. Give me the
ability to teach this Faith to others
without pride, without ostentation, and
without personal gain. Let me realize that I
am simply Your instrument for bringing
others to the knowledge of the wonderful
things You have done for all Your creatures.
Help me to be faithful to this task that You
have entrusted to me.
Amen