The Roman Catholic Church commemorates Thursday, Nov. 4, the memory of San Carlos (Saint Charles) Borromeo, the revered patron saint of bishops, catechists, and seminarians as well as of several schools, towns, seminaries, and parishes in the country.
In San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, a concelebrated thanksgiving fiesta mass is usually held in the morning at the St. Charles Borromeo Cathedral Parish.
Novena masses were held from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 in celebration of the 86th parish fiesta.
Before the pandemic, a grand procession through the city’s main streets was a much anticipated event. Other activities include a trade fair, carnival, agricultural fair, sports fests, contests and cultural shows. Negros Day will be observed on Friday, Nov. 5.
Commemorative masses in honor of San Carlos will also be offered in Mahatao, Batanes.
San Carlos was born on Oct. 2, 1538 in Arona, Italy. Ordained priest in 1563, he was appointed archbishop and cardinal of Milan, Italy, in the same year. Known as a great reformer, confessor, and charity worker, he established seminaries and colleges for the education of candidates for the priesthood.
San Carlos died on Nov. 3, 1584 and was buried at the Milan Cathedral. He was canonized by Pope Paul V on Nov. 1, 1610.