The heavy burdens of his high office began to affect our Saint of the Day 😇 leading to his death at the age of 46.
November 4, 2024
Dear John,
November is upon us! As this year seems to move at a fast speed, I want to share good news with you...we are about to head into the season of Advent. This season is intended to be one of hope, anticipation, and preparation. However, for many, including myself, the season of Advent has historically been the very opposite...a time of trying to keep up with all that life throws at us...such as kids concerts, swim meets, parties, gift exchanges, looking for the perfect gifts for loved ones, trying to keep up with meaningful traditions, all while moving the dreaded Elf of the Shelf every night.
The good news is that we don't have to choose all of this. And, we have a simple way for you and your families, youth groups, classrooms, and prayer groups to slow down this Advent season and bring it back to the place of preparation and hope.
Check out what Susan Hines-Brigger and I have put together for you this Advent season. And, learn more about this book and getting automatically signed up for our daily Advent series with you here.
We love you and pray for you daily at Franciscan Media. This Advent, join me and Susan to have the best Catholic Family Advent without the stress...simply the hope and love of the expectation of Jesus. I look forward to sharing this season with you!
The name of Charles Borromeo is associated with reform. He lived during the time of the Protestant Reformation, and had a hand in the reform of the whole Church during the final years of the Council of Trent.
Although he belonged to the Milanese nobility and was related to the powerful Medici family, Charles desired to devote himself to the Church. In 1559, when his uncle, Cardinal de Medici was elected Pope Pius IV, he made Charles cardinal-deacon and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. At the time Charles was still a layman and a young student. Because of his intellectual qualities Charles was entrusted with several important offices connected with the Vatican, and later appointed secretary of state with responsibility for the papal states. The untimely death of his elder brother brought Charles to a definite decision to be ordained a priest, despite his relatives’ insistence that he marry. Soon after being ordained a priest at age 25, Borromeo was consecrated bishop of Milan.
Working behind the scenes, Saint Charles deserves the credit for keeping the Council of Trent in session when at several points it was on the verge of breaking up. Borromeo encouraged the pope to renew the Council in 1562, after it had been suspended for 10 years. He took upon himself the task of the entire correspondence during the final phase. Because of his work at the Council, Borromeo was unable to take up residence in Milan until the Council concluded.
Eventually, Borromeo was allowed to devote his time to the Archdiocese of Milan, where the religious and moral picture was far from bright. The reform needed in every phase of Catholic life among both clergy and laity was initiated at a provincial council of all the bishops under him. Specific regulations were drawn up for bishops and other clergy: If the people were to be converted to a better life, Borromeo had to be the first to give a good example and renew their apostolic spirit.
Charles took the initiative in giving a good example. He allotted most of his income to charity, forbade himself all luxury, and imposed severe penances upon himself. He sacrificed wealth, high honors, esteem, and influence to become poor. During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo tried to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To do this he borrowed large sums of money that required years to repay. Whereas the civil authorities fled at the height of the plague, he stayed in the city, where he ministered to the sick and the dying, helping those in want.
Work and the heavy burdens of his high office began to affect Archbishop Borromeo’s health, leading to his death at the age of 46.
Reflection
Saint Charles Borromeo made his own the words of Christ: “…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Borromeo saw Christ in his neighbor, and knew that charity done for the least of his flock was charity done for Christ.
Saint Charles Borromeo is a Patron Saint of:
Catechists Catechumens Seminarians
Are you looking for a simple way to have a more meaningful Advent season with your family, youth group, or friends? Look no further!
Join author, Susan Hines-Brigger, and mom, Patty Crawford, on this daily Advent journey.
Jesus’ frequent refrain—“Do not be afraid”—should be our mantra of discipleship. Fear is what led Peter to deny being a follower of Jesus during the trial and crucifixion. Fear is what led the disciples to flee the scene of Jesus on the cross for fear of the same fate. And fear is what leads you and me away from remaining in the love that is God.
As the Gospel of John assures us: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” May we strive to love perfectly and, in so doing, remain in God.
Eremo delle Carceri is a hermitage upon Mount Subasio where Francis and his brothers spent extended periods in prayerful solitude. On my pilgrimage in the fall of 2024, I for some reason found myself hiking deeper into the valley below, perhaps some reflection of my own inner state, rather than climbing upward to experience the stunning views of Mount Subasio. I began to fret a little as the sun began to set and rain began to dampen the trail I took downward into the valley. For some reason I kept going anyway and found a small, humble cross near a cave, where I sat and thought about love and loss.
Pray
Everyone else went up, Mount Subasio’s call. I dared go down, longing to find you in the dark valley, to maybe sense and feel your gentle presence; to maybe even get lost or stranded in the storm, forced to take shelter in a cave or crawling, where Francis and his followers also escaped and prayed 800 years before. Tumbling down into the valley—down, down, winding down— until the path dissolved beneath me, call it what you want: this reckless yearning for peace.
Act
Peace will probably not look or feel the way we want it to. And sometimes we must journey into unexpected places to find it. That journey can be messy. As Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Today's Pause+Pray was written by Shannon K. Evans. Learn more here!
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