By Br. Bernard Mary Fonkalsrud OFM Conv.
When one thinks of the confusion and uncertainty during the time of the Protestant Reformation, the name of Charles Borromeo (1538-84) must also resonate as someone who strove to bring clarity and reform to the Church. Because of his desire for the authentic teaching and practice of the Catholic faith, he is today recognised as the patron saint of bishops, seminarians, and catechists.
Charles belonged to the powerful Medici family of Milan, and his uncle was elected as Pope Pius IV. Despite his noble heritage and his family’s wishes that he be married, Charles longed to dedicate his life to God and the Church. Because of his great intellect and administrative abilities, Charles was entrusted with several important positions within the Vatican, and his uncle created him a Cardinal-Deacon, though he was still a lay man. Soon after his ordination at the age of 25, he was consecrated Archbishop of Milan and elevated to Cardinal Priest.
Charles did not allow this power and influence to go to his head, rather, during the Council of Trent, he ensured that the assembled bishops took the necessary steps to counteract the efforts of the Protestant reformers, and enact decisions which would work towards bringing about renewal in the Church. This included that bishops should be present to their diocese (rather than living in the luxury of Rome away from their responsibilities), and that the people of God were catechised effectively and well.
When the Council of Trent had concluded, he led by example by returning to his Archdiocese of Milan where he worked tirelessly to restore the religious and moral life of the people. His holy example and reforms resulted in great conversions among the clergy and laity, and foregoing his wealth, luxury, and honours, he became poor to be in solidarity with the needy around him. During the plague of 1576 he established outreach efforts and endeavored to feed as many as 70,000 people daily. This great effort of charity took its toll on the saintly cardinal’s health, and he eventually went to his heavenly reward at the age of just 46.
As the patron saint of those who teach and pass on the Catholic faith, it is appropriate that we seek St. Charles Borromeo’s intercession for all involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). After reading the life of this great saint we should be inspired by his yearning for authenticity and truth and reflect on how we approach our ministry as catechists.
Image: Jacob Jordaens (1655), St. Charles Interceding for the Plague Victims of Milan (Wikimedia)
- Do I have a personal love of Jesus and His Church? Or, is it something simply cultural or expected of me?
- Do I know Jesus’ love and mercy and desire to make it known to others? Or, do I feel unworthy of it, or afraid to share something so intimate?
- Do I evangelise through example and practice what I preach? Or, do I only do the bare minimum or live contrary to Christ’s teachings?
- Do I approach my catechetical ministry with an open heart and a listening ear? Or, do I simply teach what needs to be taught, and tick the ‘RCIA boxes’?
- Do I have a desire to grow and improve in my ministry? Or, do I feel I already know enough and am closed to new ideals and fresh insights?
None of us are perfect, and we can all relate to these questions to different degrees. What matters is that we are always open to the Holy Spirit and the missionary call to evangelise to the best of our ability. This requires that we humble ourselves like St. Charles, allowing God to work through and in us as we accompany others along the journey of faith.
