November 4 2022 - St. Charles Borromeo - Incorrupt Reformer

 

A few years ago, I had the privilege of celebrating Mass in the magnificent Cathedral in Milan, Italy where St. Charles Borromeo was Cardinal Archbishop from the age of 25 until his death in 1584, only 46 years old. Like many bishops, he was buried in his Cathedral Crypt. Some time after his death, it was discovered that there was a great deal of moisture accumulating around his tomb. In order to preserve his relics, the tomb was opened and a miracle was uncovered: even though the outer coffin had corroded, and the lid of the inner coffin was rotting, the body of the holy Cardinal was found incorrupt, and remains incorrupt to this day.

Our diocesan college seminary here in Cleveland is under the patronage of St. Charles Borromeo. During the Council of Trent, St. Charles was instrumental in developing the modern seminary system, and he also developed the Catechism of the Council of Trent which was used by parish priests for centuries for teaching the faith to their people.

St. Charles was a pastor at heart, with such great love for the Church. In fact, when I was in Rome for several months, I would make frequent visits to the minor basilica of St. Charles and Ambrose in Rome on my way to and from class. And there in the back of the basilica is a shrine containing the incorrupt heart of St. Charles. His body is in Milan, but his heart is in Rome. 

His was a heart that believed the Church must constantly be renewed. Charles was a great reformer in his own Archdiocese.  He believed that the Archbishop and priests must give good example by their apostolic spirit.  So, he worked for the reform of his own clergy. He allotted most of his income to charity, and forbade himself all luxury.  When plague and famine came to Milan in 1576, the civil authorities fled the city, but the saint stayed, ministering to the sick and the dying; he fed thousands of people daily, selling his possession to pay for the work.

As a nephew to a Medici Pope, St. Charles could have become just another corrupt Renaissance Bishop. But he became a driving force of reform within the Church, by his own humble, holy, charitable example. St. Charles is patron saint of seminarians, may he inspire us as well. Like him, may we seek reform, beginning with ourselves, reform in learning, reform in detachment from worldly luxuries, reform in charity, that God’s incorrupt Spirit may dwell in us, and animate us, and sustain us, even in death, for the Glory of God and salvation of souls.  

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That through the intercession of the Bishop St. Charles Borromeo, bishops and church leaders will be models of inspiration and holiness for the Church.

That God will raise up many priestly vocations in our diocese and that the young people of our parish may strive after holiness and God’s will in their lives.

For all seminarians from our diocese, that as they prepare for priesthood, they may be formed into credible and holy witnesses of the Gospel, and given generous hearts for service of the Church.

For the renewal of the clergy and reparation for their sins.

That Christ the Good Shepherd will draw close to all who suffer, the sick, the needy, victims of injustice, and the dying.

We pray in a special way during this month of November for all the faithful departed, for those whose names are written in our parish book of the names of the dead, all deceased members of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, and our deceased family members and friends, deceased clergy and religious, those who fought and died for our freedom and for X. for whom this mass is offered.

Hear our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and through the intercession of St. Charles Borromeo grant us renewal and the increase in charity, wisdom, and grace. Through Christ Our Lord.