The Roman Catholic Church will observe on Friday, 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 will be led by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula at the St. Charles Borromeo Cathedral Parish.
Novena masses were held from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 in celebration of the 87th parish fiesta. November 4 has been declared by the local government as a special non-working holiday in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
A grand procession through the city’s main streets will also be held. Other activities include a trade fair, carnival, agricultural fair, sports fests, contests, and cultural shows.
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.