Saint of the Day: St. Gregory Barbarigo

Cardinal (1625-1697)

His life

+ Gregory was born into a prominent family in Venice, Italy. Educated in civil and canon law, he was involved in the negotiations of the treaty that ended the Thirty Years War. Another member of the team of negotiators was the man who would later become Pope Alexander VII.

+ Ordained a priest in 1655, he was named a monsignor by Pope Alexander VII and appointed to one of the Vatican tribunals.

+ Consecrated as bishop of Bergamo in 1657, he was created cardinal in 1660. He was transferred to the Diocese of Padua in 1664.

+ Cardinal Barbarigo took part in four papal conclaves and was a highly regarded churchman and esteemed for his work for the unity of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

+ Cardinal Barbarigo fostered catechetical instruction and he traveled to each village in his diocese in order to teach and to preach to the people. His boundless charity to the poor was well known and he sold his clothing and personal goods to provide support for charitable organizations.

+ Saint Gregory Barbarigo died on 18, 1697 and was canonized in 1970.

For prayer and reflection

On this day the Church also remembers Blessed Osanna Andreasi of Mantua. A Dominican tertiary, she was revered for her mystical experiences and care for the poor and sick, she died in 1505 and she was beatified in 1694.

Prayer

O God, you were pleased to have Gregory, your confessor and bishop, renowned as one who cherished his flock and loved the poor: in your mercy see that we extol his merits and imitate his charity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal [1962 edition])

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.