Who Was Saint Charles Borromeo?

Saint Charles Borromeo was born in the castle of Arona, Italy, to a wealthy family in 1583. He was an intelligent and devout man, but suffered from a speech impediment. He was a doctor in Law. In 1564, he was ordained a priest and consecrated as a Bishop. When his uncle became Pope as Pius IV, he was given the administration of the Archdiocese of Milan as Archbishop and later became a Cardinal and effectively Secretary of State.

He was one of the chief agents of the reopening of the Council of Trent and its successful conclusion. Charles was especially prominent in drafting the Catechism and in the reforming of liturgical books and music. In his diocese, he enthusiastically applied the spirit of the Council. He established Sunday schools, houses for orphans and the poor, and helped in the renewal of the moral life of the clergy and religious. He also founded diocesan seminaries. Because of his busy life, he was worn out by the age of 46. He died in Milan on the night of the 3 November 1584. He was canonized in 1610 and his body is buried in Milan Cathedral. The Catholic Church celebrated St. Charles' feast day on November 4 every year.