Saint charles borromeo biography of christopher cross

Charles Borromeo, whose feast day the Catholic Church celebrates Nov. He generously donated much of his considerable wealth to charity, and sacrificed his own health to help plague victims at a time when many other authorities fled. Charles was born in near Milan. He was born wealthy — in fact, he was part of the famously rich and influential Medici family — but sought to use his wealth to benefit the Church rather than himself.

Owing in part to his well-connected family, Charles soon assumed staggering responsibilities, serving as a papal diplomat and supervisor of major religious orders. Its twofold mission was to clarify Catholic doctrine against Protestant objections and reform the Church internally against many long-standing problems. As a papal representative, Charles participated in the council's conclusion in , when he was only 25, and was ordained a priest during the council.

He also played a leading role in assembling its comprehensive summary, the Catechism of the Council of Trent.

Saint charles borromeo biography of christopher cross: Charles Borromeo was born

He found his diocese in a state of disintegration, after two generations of virtually no local administration or leadership. Charles got straight to work establishing schools, seminaries, and centers for religious life. He constantly directed the work of restoration of ecclesiastical discipline, and the education of the young, even down to minute details.

He tried as much as possible to live a simple life and give to the poor whenever possible, and he practiced self-mortification.