It was pomp and joy in the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom palace Effurun today when His Eminence John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan conducted a mass in the Ovie’s chapel in commemoration of Saint Charles Borromeo, the Italian Cardinal often described as the “loving reformer” who transformed the way the church was organized today
In an homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan gave a brief history of the church recalling that there was a time when the Emperors bowed down to the Pope and recalled the role Cardinal Borromeo who was from a noble family played by using his power and influence for the benefit of mankind.
He urged political leaders to often reflect on how their actions impact on the people adding the admonition of Jesus Christ, “What does it profit a man if he gains he whole world and lose is soul”
The Cardinal prayed for all leaders to rule with fear of God and must realized that it was God that put them in that position and must eschew pride, rule according to the Will of God so that the nation and the people will be happy
He rejoiced that both the political and traditional leaders of Uvwie were currently Catholics and prayed that their exemplary leadership would impact positively on Uvwie resulting to peace and and prosperity.
The occasion was graced by HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe 1, JP. OON, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, the Uvwie Local Government Chairman, Chief Anthony Ofoni and several political, religious and traditional leaders
Saint Charles Borromeo 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.
