“Charity is that with which no man is lost.” These words of St. Charles Borromeo resonate deeply as we stand before St. Charles Catholic Church. St. Charles Catholic Church has been a spiritual home for many since its founding. Let’s explore the story of this parish and its patron saint.
St. Charles Borromeo was born in Milan Italy in 1538. At just 12 years old he began preparing for a religious life. He became a Cardinal Deacon at 22. Charles played a major role in the Council of Trent. Afterward he dedicated his life to renewing the Church. He combatted bribery and improved religious instruction. People loved him for his generosity and heroism during times of plague and famine. He was canonized in 1610. His feast day is November 4.
St. Charles Borromeo Parish was established in 1946 by Charles F. Buddy. It was intended for the residents of Point Loma and the Midway area. The site was located across from the Naval Training Center. The first pastor was Msgr. Joseph Trivisonno. He had been a chaplain to Italian prisoners of war during World War II. He served from 1946 to 1949. Msgr. Trivisonno built Cadiz St. St. Charles Rd and St. Charles Place. These provided access to the new parish grounds.
Msgr. Trivisonno requested sisters to teach at the new St. Charles Borromeo Academy. He received a favorable reply from the Daughters of Divine Charity. The school opened in September 1947. Sister Laetitia was its first Principal. Parishioners attended Mass in the Loma Theatre. In 1947 the new church building was dedicated. It was dedicated on the feast day of St. Charles Borromeo. He is also the patron saint of the Ordinary of the San Diego Diocese.
The parish continued to grow and additional classrooms were built. A new rectory was built in 1955. In 1964 the new church building was completed. The original church was converted into the Parish Hall. In 1968 a new table-type marble Altar was added. This was in keeping with Vatican II guidelines. In 1996 the parish celebrated its 50th anniversary. A Mass was held in the current church.
St. Charles Catholic Church offers daily services and believes in community. It encourages parishioners to actively engage in their faith. St. Charles is blessed with a thriving school community. It ranges from Transitional Kindergarten to 8th Grade.
Pastors who have served St. Charles include Msgr. Joseph Trivisonno and Reverend Edward Johnson. Others include Msgr. Michael Byrne and Msgr. William Bergin. Msgr. William Cooney and Msgr. William Kraft also served. Msgr. Michael Higgins and Msgr. Robert Callahan were pastors too. Msgr. Thomas McDermott and Reverend Harold Tindall led the parish. Reverend Peter Escalante and Reverend Michel Froidurot served as well. Reverend Cavana Wallace and Reverend Gary Holtey were also pastors. Reverend Edward McNulty and Reverend William Kernan contributed their service. Reverend Christopher Tozzi and Reverend John Amsberry have also served.
Today St. Charles Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith community and service. It continues to serve the spiritual needs of its parishioners. The legacy of St. Charles Borromeo lives on through this vibrant parish. Remember his words as we leave this sacred space. “Charity is that with which no man is lost and without which no man is saved.”