Torture of Saint Vitalis

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO
Bishop and Confessor

When Charles Borromeo, great hero of the "Catholic Reformation," was 22, his uncle, Pope Pius IV, appointed him Cardinal-deacon and administrator of the see of Milan. He governed wisely and courageously all during his uncle's pontificate, and was mainly responsible for the successful conclusion of the Council of Trent. The death of his elder brother changed him from a virtuous man to a saint. He entered the priesthood and from 1565 onward he lived in Milan, devoting all his time to reforming that diocese in accordance with the decrees of Trent. He founded the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, with its schools for teaching the Catechism to children, historically the first "Sunday Schools." To help those stricken by the plague of 1576, he gave away everything, even his bed. He died in 1584, at the age of 46.

SAINTS VITALIS AND AGRICOLA
MARTYRS

Agricola converted his slave Vitalis and went with him to martyrdom at Bologna about A.D. 304 under Emperor Diocletian.

Mass of a Confessor Bishop, except:

PRAYER
O Lord, keep Your Church always under the protection of Your holy confessor bishop Charles, who was distinguished by his vigilant care of his flock. Enkindle in us a burning love of You through his intercession. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of Saints Vitalis and Agricola
O Almighty God, may the intercessory power of Your blessed martyrs Vitalis and Agricola aid us who celebrate their feast today. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, may Your saints everywhere be a source of joy for us, and may we feel the power of their intercession with You as we solemnly recall the deeds of their lives. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration
O Lord, be moved to compassion by our offerings and shield us from all danger through the prayers of Your holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Almighty God, may the expression of our gratitude to You for all Your Gifts bring us even greater benefits through the intercession of Your blessed confessor Charles. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration
O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of Your holy martyrs Vitalis and Agricola. Through our Lord . . .