Dear Friends in Christ,
Today the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Charles Borromeo, one of the pivotal figures who helped to keep the Council of Trent on track.
A son of noble parents, he grew up in a religious family and emulated that piety from an early age.
Intellectually gifted, he helped to get the Council of Trent jump started in 1562 after it had been suspended for a decade. The teachings of Trent would help guide the renewal of the Church in the wake of the Protestant Reformation.
Named archbishop of Milan in his 20s, he worked tirelessly to bring reform into the lives of clerics and laity. He often slept in a chair, so much did he try to make the best of his time, and he was renowned for his attentiveness to the poor.
His personal witness made an impact as he helped to breathe life into Church renewal at a crucial moment in history.
His example is a good reminder that the Church’s rebound in any given age hinges on personal witness. The holiness of individuals provides fertile ground on which the Holy Spirit often works.
A key to nourishing the spiritual life is devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the Body and Blood of Jesus our Savior and Head of the Church.
To reinforce your embrace of the Eucharist, consider praying with the help of our Retreat Guide on this incomparable food for the soul, Food for the Journey: A Retreat Guide on the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
It nourished Charles Borromeo. It will nourish us.
In Christ,
Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Ask a Priest contributor
