Borromeo, St Carlo (1538-1584)

Italian cardinal. He was instrumental in bringing the Council of Trent (1562-63) to a successful conclusion, and in drawing up the catechism that contained its findings. Feast day 4 November.

Borromeo was born in Arona of a noble Italian family, and was created a cardinal and archbishop of Milan by his uncle Pope Pius IV in 1560. He lived the life of an ascetic, and in 1578 founded the community later called the Oblate Fathers of St Charles. He was canonized in 1610.