The cost of being a reformer

As I ponder the life of today’s saint, Charles Borromeo (1538-1584), it occurs to me that his vocation paralleled that of his older contemporary St Teresa (1515-1582).  Charles set about reforming his archdiocese (Milan) as Teresa set about reforming her Carmelite Order.  They both faced opposition, Charles from his fellow priests, Teresa from her fellow Carmelites.  A hint of the state of Milan Diocese when Charles was made Archbishop is offered by the fact that he was the first in that post to actually live in the diocese for eighty years.  On the other hand, when I read that a priest who objected to his reforming activity tried to assassinate Charles, I am reminded of St Albert of Jerusalem (1149-1214), author of the original Carmelite Rule, who was actually assassinated by the Master of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, whom he had deposed and rebuked for his immorality.  Those who dedicate their lives to living the Gospel need not just integrity and commitment but heroic courage.  

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Theresa K, Fr Jon B, Catherine

Siena, Elara – sick children

Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Joy Smith OCDS – in hospital

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Lucia – Overwhelmed by weariness

 Mark – brain infection

Joy Smith – in hospital

 Defence of the unborn and the elderly

 RIP Martin Gilham, Sue Burton, little Matthew (six years old, died of cancer)