The Fasting of St. Charles Borromeo

 

Born into very wealthy and socially prominent circumstances, Charles Borromeo (1538-1584 ) felt called to the priesthood – he chose to have his head tonsured (shaved in a particular pattern) when he was just 12 years old.  He voluntarily became poor and lived an austere life because of his deep, deep love for Jesus, and his desire to serve the Lord. He saw Jesus in everyone he met, especially the poor and marginalized.

He rose in the Catholic Church, and eventually was appointed Archbishop of Milan by his uncle, the Pope. Convicted that there was great corruption in all aspects of Roman Catholicism, both clergy and laity, he became a leading figure, along with Ignatius of Loyola and St. Philip, of the Counter-Reformation which took place in the Catholic Church alongside the Protestant Reformation. He believed that abuses in the Church stemmed from ignorant clergy; one of his most important reforms was the establishment of seminaries, colleges and communities for the education of candidates for Holy Orders. When his older brother died unexpectedly, his family insisted he leave the priesthood to continue the family name, but he remained loyal to his Lord and to his calling.

Borromeo lived Matthew 25:40b: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” During the 1576 famine and subsequent plague in Milan, when the civil authorities fled from the city, Borromeo remained to minister to the sick and dying. He fed the poor – 60,000 to 70,000 people each day – and went deeply in debt after his personal funds ran out. He got all the religious communities to cooperate in providing services to the poor and sick.

In this painting by Daniele Crespi (1598-1630), St. Charles is studying Scripture in front of a crucifix, eating light refreshments; this depiction of his fast is probably not far from how he actually lived. The artist suggests plain, even austere, conditions by using the simple table, plain background, plain fabric, rough table, bread and water, and a reduced color palette. There is an element of sadness that emanates from the painting. But there is an aura of joy and purpose as well…can you sense how close to Jesus he must be feeling?

Like the painting, our lives as Christians are contrasts of joy and sadness; the joy of His friendship and love, the pain of the hard path we may be asked to follow.

Fasting and sadness, accomplishments and great joy are all part of our Christian growth. Embracing each experience in our journey is a privilege, and brings us closer to God.

 

Joy Christian