“Don’t prefer a long life over a holy one.” These are words that echo the spirit of Saint Charles Borromeo. This church bears his name. It embodies his dedication.
Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. Borromeo was a man of reform. He lived during the Protestant Reformation. He helped reform the Church during the Council of Trent’s final years.
Born into Milanese nobility, Charles was related to the Medici family. Yet, he desired to serve the Church. In 1559, his uncle became Pope Pius IV. The Pope made Charles a cardinal-deacon. He also became administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. Charles was young. He was still a layman and a student. His intellect led to important Vatican offices. He later became secretary of state. He was responsible for the papal states. His brother’s death led him to become a priest. He was ordained at 25. Soon after, he became bishop of Milan.
Saint Charles Borromeo helped keep the Council of Trent going. It almost broke up several times. He urged the Pope to renew the Council in 1562. It had been suspended for ten years. Charles managed the correspondence during the final phase. His work at the Council delayed his move to Milan.
Eventually, Saint Charles Borromeo focused on Milan. The religious and moral climate needed improvement. Reform was needed for clergy and laity. He started with a provincial council of bishops. Regulations were created for bishops and clergy. Borromeo knew they had to lead by example. They needed to renew their apostolic spirit.
Charles himself set an example. He gave most of his income to charity. He avoided all luxury. He imposed severe penances on himself. He sacrificed wealth and honors to become poor. During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo fed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. He borrowed heavily to do so. Civil authorities fled during the plague. Borromeo stayed. He ministered to the sick and dying. He helped those in need.
The heavy burdens of his office affected his health. Archbishop Borromeo died at 46.
Saint Charles Borromeo lived by Christ’s words. “I was hungry and you gave me food.” “I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” He saw Christ in his neighbor. Charity to the least was charity to Christ.
Saint Charles Borromeo’s efforts included establishing seminaries. These seminaries would ensure that clergy members were well-educated. Education and catechesis would be critical in combating the heresies.
During the plague, Archbishop Borromeo remained. He tended to the sick. He fed them from his own resources. He celebrated Mass in public. This ensured people could see Christ in the Eucharist. He instructed his priests to stay and minister to the dying. One story tells of Borromeo climbing a pile of corpses. He gave the Last Rites to a dying man.
His objective was not to fix a broken world. Instead, he kept his eyes on eternity. Borromeo became an instrument of God’s work.
Even when facing opposition, Borromeo remained focused on Christ. One night, an assassin shot him in the back during prayer. Wounded, he continued praying. Nothing could distract him from the eternal.
Saint John Paul II called him a “servant of souls.” He never let himself be intimidated. He served the suffering and the sick. Saint Charles Borromeo, the Bishop of Milan, inspires this church. His life of service and devotion continues to inspire us all.