Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop
(Philippians 2:1-4; Luke 14:12-14)
St. Charles Borromeo put some teeth in the conciliar decrees
of Trent. He exemplified the reform proposals by adopting a simple lifestyle
and carrying out visitations and councils in his archdiocese, that of
Milan. He also promoted clerical
education by founding seminaries.
As St. Paul exhorts the Philippians in today’s first
reading, Charles showed humility. He not only legislated relief to victims of
natural disaster but also rolled up his sleeves to help. These actions were particularly noticed
during the famine of 1570 and the plague of 1576.
Coming from a wealthy family, Charles Borromeo had considerable
resources at his disposition. He used many
of them to provide physical care for others.
Whether we have many or few resources, we can follow his examples of
hands-on charity.
