Book Reviews and More: Charles Borromeo - J.B. Midgley

Charles Borromeo
CTS Great Saints
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860823411

CTS Booklet B685

A couple of years ago I encountered the works of J.B. Midgley and was very impressed with his writing. I worked at tracking all his books down. And it took me a few years. This was the final volume I needed to have a copy of all of his works. I still have a few to read but it has been well worth tracking down all 28 books by J.B. Midgley. Twenty-six of those books were for the Catholic Truth Society. And 6 of those were from the CTS Great Saints Series. I have also read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. And have loved most of them. I first read a book by Midgley almost exactly 2 years ago. And after this one I still have 6 to go. This volume is a great book, by an excellent author in an amazing series!

The description on the back of the book is:

“Mother Thesres of Calcutta once said: “Preach the Gospel and only if absolutely necessary use words.”

Charles Borromeo, Cardinal archbishop of Milan, outstanding reformer and spiritual leader, was a shining example Friend of St Philip Neri, St Edmund Campion and many of those who lived during the tumultuous times of the 16th-century Europe, he was in every way, ahead of his time. ‘Shall I tell you how to go from strength to strength? Concentrate on what is essential … make sure that your life and conduct are sermons in themselves’.”

And the chapters in this little volume are:

Introduction

The Formative Years

Signs of Revival

The Council of Trent

Priest and Bishop

Dangerous Times

A Tireless Reformer

“A Light to the Church”

I have encountered this saint many times in the past. In Church history courses. In Theology courses. And just generally in reading. He encountered and knew so many others that were canonized as well. But reading in detail about his life, his works, his ministry and his travels was truly astounding. And reading about this saint, I cannot help but pray that God raises up Godly priests, bishops and cardinals like this man. This book opens with these words:

“Whenever the Church encounters periodic difficulties, God raises up Holy men and women to restore confidence and give guidance to his people. Among them are succors to the Apostles, the Shepherds to whom Christ entrusts the care of His Flock. A shining example is Charles Borromeo, the great Catholic reformer of the sixteenth century.”

And speaking about Borromeo we are informed:

“He attached the greatest importance to the education and continued development of priests who celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass which is at the heart of Catholic life, who preach the Gospel, administer the Sacraments as channels of sanctifying grace, and who teach God’s People how to love and praise Him. In his new and reformed seminaries, therefore, he appointed devoted Rectors who were faithful to the teachings of the Church, and unequivocally loyal to the successor of St. Peter.”

And we are told that:

“It was his honour that Pope John XXIII chose to open the Second Vatican Council in 1962 on 4th November, Charles Borromeo’s feast day.”

About his youth we are informed:

“He and Margaret brought up their children to know the importance of prayer as a natural part of life, and that it accompanied almsgiving to assist those in need.”

And

“Scholarship did not come easily to him, though he more than compensated for any lack of aptitude by a capacity for hard work and attention to detail.”

He worked hard and was a dedicated student. He realized the importance and did not let worldly things distract him:

“He was unaffected by the temptations of life in the city with its relaxed attitudes to morality, and avoided distractions that would have interfered with his prayer-life.”

Charles accomplished more in single areas of his life than most of us do today. He did it through prayer, devotion, dedication, and hard work. His list of accomplishments includes reform of seminaries, reform of diocese, his contributions to the Council of Trent, his work implementing that council. It was a life lived to the full. His life brings to mind two versus:

“Blessed is he who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, for he shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

“For the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I am come that they might have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10

His life exemplified both. An abundant life and being filled with righteousness. This book is an excellent read. Inspiring, challenging, and encouraging. Another great read from the pen of Midgley and from the Catholic Truth Society. It took me a while to track down a copy of this book, but it was well worth it!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For other reviews in the CTS Great Saints Series click here. Or here for all CTS Biographies.