November 4, bishop, 1538-1584

by Michele Gatta

1562 is the year of Carlo Borromeo's turning point.

In fact, he became the only legitimate heir of the Borromeo house, after the sudden death of his brother Federico. It was thought that he would leave the ecclesiastical state to manage the enormous inheritance. Instead, the decision was unexpected. After following a course of exercises from the Jesuit father, Ribera was convinced to follow the example of faith of exemplary men such as Gaetano da Thiene, Ignatius of Loyola and Filippo Neri. He was ordained a priest and thus began his life of charity. On the family coat of arms he wrote only the word "humilitas".

To comply with the indications of the Council of Trent, which he had led, which indicated the residence of pastors in their own diocese, he was ordained bishop on 7 December 1564 and in the following January took the archiepiscopal insignia for the government of the diocese. Before leaving Rome he arranged things for the possible conclave, having his uncle nominate 9 new cardinals in favor of the line of renewal. Pius IV died at the end of 1565 and in the conclave that was held Charles had two thirds of the votes. He refused the election but made sure to have Saint Pius V elected. In the see of Saint Ambrose his activity did not stop: he surrounded himself with capable and exemplary people, often taking them from religious orders who sometimes complained about the "snatch ”.

Borromeo was also a skilled strategist: he divided the large diocese into 12 ecclesiastical districts and various external vicariates, so that the pastoral organization reached everyone. Certainly the training of the clergy was one of the most important activities. He founded various major and minor seminaries, entrusting the leadership first to the Jesuits and then to the diocesan institute "Oblati di Sant'Ambrogio".

Carlo was also a shepherd in the strictest sense. His pastoral visits are emblematic... where in addition to taking care of the liturgy and the sacraments, he gave each parishioner the opportunity to confer directly with him.

The affection of his people was enormous, which grew dramatically during the plague in Milan in 1576. While the Spanish governor fled, Charles remained the only point of reference, organizing aid and comfort. During the spiritual exercises on the Sacro Monte in Varallo he developed a fever and wanted to return to Rome, he died in Milan on 3 November 1584. Paul V declared him a saint on 1 November 1610.