4/11 St CHARLES BORROMEO

On 4th NOVEMBER we remember Saint Charles Borromeo, he was born in Arona Italy in 1538. By the age of 12, Charles was dedicated to the church and helping people so any money he did not use for his education, he gave to the poor.

At the age of 23 he became a cardinal governing the papal states, supervising the guards of Malta, the Franciscans and the Carmelites. When Pope Pius III died (his uncle), Borromeo moved to Milan to clean up the corruption in the church in doing so he made many enemies within the church. However, these enemies and the hate towards him only proved the corruption was happening. He went on to feed upward of 70,000 people per day with his own money.

Let us pray that we can take inspiration from Charles Borromeo to eradicate the corruption and lies in our lives and to be better people.

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. Amen.