Charles Borromeo Medal & Card

Holy Card: Full-Color Cardstock 2 1/2" W x 4" H (closed)
Saint Medal: Oxidized Silver 1" H

Includes a full-color holy card with two healing prayers, a saint biography and an oxidized silver patron saint medal. A chain is not included.

Saint Charles was born in 1538 in the castle at Arona, on Lake Maggiore, Italy. He was the son of a rich Italian count and Margaret Medici, sister of Pope Pius IV. In 1560, Charles' papal uncle named him Secretary of State and made him a cardinal and administrator of the see of Milan. At this time, Charles was not yet a priest. He was finally ordained a priest in 1563 and was consecrated bishop of Milan the same year.

By wise laws, by gentle kindness and by his own marvelous example, Saint Charles made his diocese a model for the whole Church. He faithfully prayed and did penance, gave everything he owned to the poor, went into debt to feed the hungry, and set up altars in the streets to bring Mass to the ill. In 1571, the whole province suffered from a terrible famine. Charles worked with unceasing toil to help the starving and those with stomach ills due to the food shortage.

He died in 1584 and was canonized in 1610.

Saint Charles is recognized today as the patron of those suffering from stomach ailments. His feast day is November 4th.

Saint Charles Borromeo, Pray for Us.