St. Charles Borromeo
Feast day: November 4
Born to a noble Italian family in 1538, Charles studied under the Benedictines for his early education. In 1560, he was named a cardinal and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan by his uncle, Pope Pius IV. He was kept in Rome to assist with the reconvened Council of Trent, and he helped draft the council’s catechism and liturgical books. In 1563, he was ordained a priest and bishop. Finally reaching Milan, he worked to reform priestly training and lay catechesis. He also ministered to plague victims using his own money. Charles was canonized in 1610. He is patron of bishops and catechists.
Collect
Preserve in the midst of your people,
we ask, O Lord, the spirit with which you filled
the Bishop Saint Charles Borromeo,
that your Church may be constantly renewed
and, by conforming herself to the likeness of Christ,
may show his face to the world.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
