Saint Charles Borromeo is remembered for his deep devotion to the sacraments and the Holy Eucharist. He is known as a Church reformer and theologian.
Saint Charles is the patron saint of catechists and catechumens. He is also a patron of stomach issues and seminarians.
The Church celebrates his feast day on Nov. 4.
Below are three prayers attributed to Saint Charles Borromeo:
Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel for a Happy Death
My good angel: I know not when or how I shall die. It is possible I may be carried off suddenly, and that before my last sigh, I may be deprived of all intelligence. Yet there are many things I would wish to say to God on the threshold of eternity. In the full freedom of my will today, I come to charge you to speak for me at that fearful moment. You will say to Him, then, O my good Angel:
That I wish to die in the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church in which all the saints since Jesus Christ have died, and out of which there is no salvation.
That I ask the grace of sharing in the infinite merits of my Redeemer and that I desire to die in pressing to my lips the Cross that was bathed in His Blood!
That I detest my sins because they displease Him, and that I pardon through love of Him all my enemies as I wish myself to be pardoned.
That I die willingly because He orders it and that I throw myself with confidence into His adorable Heart awaiting all His Mercy.
That in my inexpressible desire to go to Heaven I am disposed to suffer everything it may please His sovereign Justice to inflict on me.
That I love Him before all things, above all things, and for His own sake; that I wish and hope to love Him with the Elect, his Angels, and the Blessed Mother during all eternity.
Do not refuse, O my Angel, to be my interpreter with God, and to protest to Him that these are my sentiments and my will. Amen.
Prayer of Saint Charles Borromeo
Almighty God, you have generously
made known to human beings
the mysteries of your life through
Jesus Christ your Son in the Holy Spirit.
Enlighten my mind to know these mysteries
which your Church treasures and teaches.
Move my heart to love them
and my will to live in accord with them.
Give me the ability to teach this Faith to others
without pride, without ostentation, and without personal gain.
Let me realize that I am simply your instrument
for bringing others to the knowledge
of the wonderful things you have done
for all your creatures.
Help me to be faithful to this task
that you have entrusted to me.
Amen.
Saint Charles Borromeo Marian Prayer for Holy Priests
O Holy Mother of God, pray for the priests
your Son has chosen to serve the church.
Help them by your intercession,
to be holy, zealous, and chaste.
Make them models of virtue
in the service of God’s people.
Help them to be prayerful in meditations,
effective in preaching, and enthusiastic
in the daily offering of the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
Help them to administer the sacraments with joy.
Amen.
You can learn more about Saint Charles Borromeo here.