Saint Charles Borromeo

Biography

Saint Charles Borromeo, also known as Apostle to the Council of Trent, Carlo Borromeo, and Father of the Clergy, was born on the morning of Wednesday, October 2, 1538, in the castle at Aron, in the diocese of Novara, Italy. He belonged to a wealthy and noble family, being the third of six children and the son of Count Giberto II Borromeo and Margherita de’ Medici. He was the nephew of Pope Pius IV. Despite being born into privilege, Saint Charles faced challenges in his early life, particularly a speech impediment. Nonetheless, he was determined to overcome these obstacles and pursued his education diligently. He studied in Milan and later attended the University of Pavia, where he even had the opportunity to study under the future Pope Gregory XIII. At the young age of 21, Saint Charles became a civil and canon lawyer. In his early years as a cleric, Saint Charles took the habit on October 13, 1547, and served as the Abbot commendatario of various abbeys, including San Felino e San Graziano abbey in Arona and San Silano di Romagnano abbey. His dedication to the Church was recognized, and he was appointed as a member of the counsulta for the administration of the Papal States in January 1560. That same year, at the age of 22, he was made a cardinal. Saint Charles' commitment to his faith led to numerous significant positions within the Church. He served as the Apostolic administrator of Milan and later became the Bishop and Archbishop of Milan in 1563 and 1564, respectively. Additionally, he held the role of Vatican Secretary of State and was appointed as the governor of various Italian cities. One of Saint Charles' most notable contributions was his involvement in the Council of Trent, a significant event in Catholic history. He aided in re-opening the council and participated actively in its sessions from 1562 to 1563. Saint Charles proved himself as a diligent and devoted member of the clergy, demonstrating his passion for the faith and the betterment of the Church. Throughout his life, Saint Charles tirelessly worked for the spiritual and physical well-being of his diocese. He enforced the decrees of the Council of Trent diligently, fought for peace in the midst of the turmoil caused by Martin Luther, and established schools, seminaries, and hospitals. He was a champion for reform, conducting synods and working towards the spiritual renewal of both clergy and laypeople. Saint Charles also dedicated himself to acts of charity, such as assisting the sick and burying the dead during a plague outbreak in Milan. His efforts in caring for others were further demonstrated by his founding of the Oblates of Saint Ambrose, an institute that actively worked to alleviate the suffering of the poor and vulnerable. On the evening of October 26, 1569, Saint Charles narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by disgruntled monks. Despite this threat, he continued his mission unwaveringly, and his commitment to his vocation inspired many. Saint Charles played a significant role in the conclave that elected Pope Pius V in 1565 and maintained close ties with the Holy See throughout his life. Saint Charles Borromeo passed away on November 3, 1584, at the age of 46 in Milan, Italy, due to a fever. In his will, he named the Hospital Maggiore of Milan as his heir. He was buried in the metropolitan cathedral of Milan, and his relics were later transferred to a chapel built by Count Renato Borromeo in piazza San Maria Podone, Milan. Recognizing his virtuous life and numerous contributions to the Church, Saint Charles Borromeo was beatified by Pope Clement VIII in 1602 and canonized by Pope Paul V on November 1, 1610. He is remembered for his faithfulness, dedication, and selflessness in the service of God and his people. Today, he is venerated as a patron saint against abdominal pain, colic, stomach diseases, ulcers, and various other ailments. He is also recognized as a patron of apple orchards, bishops, catechism writers, catechists, catechumens, seminarians, spiritual directors, spiritual leaders, and starch makers. The feast day of Saint Charles Borromeo is celebrated on November 4, although in Milan, Italy, it is also celebrated on November 3.