The Shrine of the St. Charles Borromeo

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Saint Charles Borromeo (feast day November 4th), is shown doing penance for his people.

He was named the Cardinal Archbishop of Milan in 1560 by his uncle, newly elected Pope Pius IV, and served there until his death in 1584. Saint Charles was one of the great reformers of the Church, first serving in Council of Trent and then working to bring about the reforms called for by that Council in his diocese. He worked tirelessly for the poor, especially after the plague broke out in Milan. He depleted his entire fortune, which was considerable, in service to the poor.

Saint Charles was chosen for this shrine because he was the patron saint of Baltimore's minor seminary, Saint Charles College. The college, which closed in the early 1970's, is now the site of the Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville.

Saint Charles Borromeo is also the patron saint of bishops, a fitting presence in this church of the Archbishop of Baltimore.

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