Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: November 4
When did Saint Charles Borromeo live: 1538 - 1584
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Charles Borromeo was born on October 2, 1538, at the Castle of Arona on Lake Maggiore. Coming from a noble family, he studied canon and civil law at the University of Pavia, graduating in 1559. His uncle, Pope Pius IV, appointed him cardinal and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan in 1560.
After the sudden death of his brother, Charles definitively committed himself to the priesthood and was ordained in 1563. As Archbishop of Milan, he implemented the reforms of the Council of Trent, established seminaries, and promoted a strict ecclesiastical life. During the plague of 1576, he remained in the city, assisting the sick and leading penitential processions. His austere lifestyle weakened him, and he died on November 3, 1584, at just 46 years old. He was canonized in 1610.
PATRONAGE:
St. Charles Borromeo is the patron saint of priests, catechists, seminaries, and Catholic Switzerland.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of San Charles Borromeo are the crucifix as a sign of his faith, the rope as a symbol of his penitential exercises and a poor man, as he cared for these people with the utmost devotion.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Karl, Carl, Kalle, Karli, Karlo, Carlo, Charly, Charley, Charles, Karolus, Carlo, Carlino, Carletto, Carluccio, Carolina, Carlotta.