Catholic Church Marks Feast of Saint Charles Borromeo, Who Stayed in Milan, Italy, to Aid the Sick During 1576–1577 Plague

The Catholic Church observes Wednesday, November 4, 2026, mainly in honor of Saint Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan and one of the most important figures in the Church during the sixteenth century. Other saints, including Vidal and Agricultural, are also commemorated that day for their witness of faith.

Charles Borromeo was born on October 2, 1538, in Arona, Italy, into a noble and influential family. He studied civil and canon law at the University of Pavia. His uncle, Pope Pius IV, appointed him cardinal when he was barely 22 years old. Despite that privileged position, he chose to dedicate his life to religious service and was ordained a priest in 1563.

His participation in the final stage of the Council of Trent was decisive in promoting reforms in the formation of the clergy and the organization of Catholic communities. As Archbishop of Milan, he promoted the creation of seminaries, schools, hospitals and other institutions aimed at strengthening religious education and care for people in need. According to Vatican News, his career was marked by commitment to those reforms, attention to communities, and the defense of a Church closer to the needs of the population.

One of the best-known episodes of his life came during the plague epidemic that affected Milan between 1576 and 1577. While disease and food shortages were hitting the population, the archbishop remained in the city to help the sick and affected families, a practice of charity toward neighbors in need (Matthew 25:35). The biography published by Vatican News states that he devoted his assets to the care of people in need and maintained a constant presence among the community. His work during that emergency contributed to the period being historically remembered as the plague of St. Charles.

Charles Borromeo died in November 1584, at the age of 46. He was beatified in 1602 and canonized in 1610 by Pope Paul V.

Beyond Charles Borromeo, the Catholic saints of November 4 include other religious figures recognized by different traditions and communities within the Church. These commemorations are part of the day’s observances, although the main liturgical memory is Saint Charles Borromeo. The feast is part of the Catholic liturgical calendar, which is also followed in Mexico, and people named Carlos and Carla can celebrate their name on November 4 for the feast of San Carlos Borromeo.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)