Saint Gregory Barbarigo

"We should ask ourselves at the very outset of our lives, this: What will God exact of us on judgement-day? What account must we render? So that we may have for our rule of conduct His judgement, and not our fancy."
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491 - 1556)

Today is the feast day of Saint Gregory Barbarigo. Gregory was born at Venice, Italy, in 1625 to a very old and distinguished Venetian family. Gregory was taught by his father, who was a senator, as a young boy, and then went on to study law at Padua. After his studies, Gregory became a diplomat. In 1648, he accompanied the Venetian ambassador to the Peace of Westphalia, which took place in Münster, Germany. Shortly after this event, Gregory became a priest. In 1656, Pope Alexander VII called Gregory to Rome to assist the sick during the plague. He was also consecrated Bishop of Bergamo by Pope Alexander VII and helped carry the Counter-Reformation. Later on, Gregory became a Cardinal and was also given authority over the diocese of Padua. Gregory guided his people with much wisdom and understanding, and worked unceasingly to carry out the reforms set forth by the Council of Trent. Furthermore, Gregory founded many colleges, seminaries, and libraries. Gregory died in 1697, and was canonized in 1960. 

Saint Gregory Barbarigo, pray for us!

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Quote From Saint Ignatius, Picture and Information About Saint Gregory Taken From:

http://www.saintsquotes.net/index.htm

http://www.catholictradition.org/Papacy/papal-artifact3.htm

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=188