St. Charles Borromeo

"Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head."
- St. Charles Borromeo (1538 - 1584)

Today is the feast day of St. Charles Borromeo. Charles was born in Arona, Italy, on October 2, 1538. He was born into a noble family with his parents being Count Gilbert Borromeo and Margaret Medici, the sister of Pope Pius IV. At the age of twelve, Borromeo was given the clerical tonsure and was sent to the Benedictine abbey of Sts. Gratian and Felinus for an education. In 1559, when his uncle was elected pope, Charles was appointed Secretary of State, made a cardinal, and was also made the administrator of the see of Milan. The Council of Trent was also reconvened thanks in part to Charles, and he also contributed very much to the Council. He created a society of secular priests, a Confraternity for Christian Doctrine, increased systems to the poor and needy, helped improve the model and manners of the clergy and laity, and much more. He was also very humble, gave much of what he had to the poor, and imposed severe penances on himself. Charles died in Milan in 1584, and was canonized in 1610. 

St. Charles Borromeo, pray for us!

__________________________________

Picture Of and Information About St. Charles Taken From:

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=212

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1189

http://www.scborromeo.org/saints/borromeo.htm