St. Charles Borromeo
Reformer, Archbishop of Milan
Feast Day: November 4
Biography
St. Charles Borromeo (1538–1584) was an Italian cardinal who became one of the most important figures of the Catholic Reformation. As Archbishop of Milan, he implemented the reforms of the Council of Trent with extraordinary zeal: establishing seminaries, conducting regular visitations of parishes, holding provincial councils, and catechizing the faithful. During the plague of 1576, when civic leaders fled, Charles stayed in Milan, personally ministering to the sick and dying, processing barefoot through the streets, and organizing relief efforts. He sold church furnishings and even his own bed to feed the hungry. He died at age forty-six, exhausted by his labors.
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Symbols
Prayer
St. Charles Borromeo, you reformed the Church through personal holiness and tireless labor. Help me to serve God's people with your same energy and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Charles Borromeo, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Charles Borromeo, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.