Good advice from a bishop ... just 443 years ago

The old Catholic Enyclopedia reports that on October 15, 1565, after St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584), above, took up residence as Archbishop of Milan, he spoke to the first provincial council, one of whose members was the future Pope Gregory XIV:

"Charles announced that the reform must begin with the prelates: 'We ought to walk in front, and our spiritual subjects will follow us more easily.' He commenced by fulfilling all things required in himself, and his wonderful clergy astonished the prelates. The council was finished on the 3rd of November, and Charles sent a minute report to the pope."

"We ought to walk in front, and our spiritual subjects will follow us more easily."

What beautiful words! I bet that if St. Charles were alive today, he would "walk in front," all right -- walk in front of L.A.'s many abortion mills, and his clergy and laity would follow him.

St. Charles Borromeo is patron saint of bishops and seminarians. No wonder!

The illustration above is from Patron Sants Index.