St. Charles Borromeo Catholic church

The name of Charles Borromeo is associated with reform. He lived during the time of the Protestant Reformation, and had a hand in the reform of the whole Church during the final years of the Council of Trent.

Although he belonged to the Milanese nobility and was related to the powerful Medici family, Charles desired to devote himself to the Church. In 1559, when his uncle, Cardinal de Medici was elected Pope Pius IV, he made Charles cardinal-deacon and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. At the time Charles was still a layman and a young student. Because of his intellectual qualities Charles was entrusted with several important offices connected with the Vatican, and later appointed secretary of state with responsibility for the papal states. The untimely death of his elder brother brought Charles to a definite decision to be ordained a priest, despite his relatives’ insistence that he marry. Soon after being ordained a priest at age 25, Borromeo was consecrated bishop of Milan.

Working behind the scenes, Saint Charles deserves the credit for keeping the Council of Trent in session when at several points it was on the verge of breaking up. Borromeo encouraged the pope to renew the Council in 1562, after it had been suspended for 10 years. He took upon himself the task of the entire correspondence during the final phase. Because of his work at the Council, Borromeo was unable to take up residence in Milan until the Council concluded.

Eventually, Borromeo was allowed to devote his time to the Archdiocese of Milan, where the religious and moral picture was far from bright. The reform needed in every phase of Catholic life among both clergy and laity was initiated at a provincial council of all the bishops under him. Specific regulations were drawn up for bishops and other clergy: If the people were to be converted to a better life, Borromeo had to be the first to give a good example and renew their apostolic spirit.

Charles took the initiative in giving a good example. He allotted most of his income to charity, forbade himself all luxury, and imposed severe penances upon himself. He sacrificed wealth, high honors, esteem, and influence to become poor. During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo tried to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To do this he borrowed large sums of money that required years to repay. Whereas the civil authorities fled at the height of the plague, he stayed in the city, where he ministered to the sick and the dying, helping those in want.

Work and the heavy burdens of his high office began to affect Archbishop Borromeo’s health, leading to his death at the age of 46.

Saint Charles Borromeo made his own the words of Christ: “…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Borromeo saw Christ in his neighbor, and knew that charity done for the least of his flock was charity done for Christ.

Good Evening!  Every family should have gotten my letter addressing the reopening of masses to the public and what is needed from everyone to have a safe environment and enjoyable experience for everyone. As you know, several changes were needed including limiting seating and changing the mass times to allow for the cleaning and disinfecting of the Church between services. The church will open 15 minutes before the scheduled mass time.  Until further notices the mass and confession schedules are 
Daily Mass:  Monday-Friday 8:00am 

Saturday Anticipatory Mass: 5:00pm

Sunday: 7:00am English
               9:00am Spanish
               11:00am English
               

Confessions
Saturday: 2:30pm to 4:15pm (Enter Church through side ramp entrance and follow directions given by staff)

Diocesan Parishoner Info Sheet English
Diocesan Parishoner Info Sheet Spanish
Letter to the Parish

FSL in partnership with Maricopa County and City of Peoria is providing assistance for residents of Peoria and surrounding area. Click on what may help you...

Do You Need Assistance with Utilities and live in the Peoria area?

Are you a senior and would like a meal from the senior center?

Do you need food for the family? Come by our pantry and pick up food for you and your family on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8 pm.