Nov. 4 marks the feast day of St. Charles Borromeo, an Italian bishop who lived during the Protestant Reformation and who, although born into the wealthy Medici family, devoted his life to the Church. He aided leaders through the Council of Trent and much-needed reform by making an example of his own life – giving his money to charity, denying himself all luxury, and imposing severe penances upon himself. During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo tried to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To do this, he borrowed large sums of money that required years to repay. Whereas Milan’s civil authorities fled at the height of the plague, he stayed in the city, ministering to the sick and the dying. This year consider celebrating the Nov. 4 feast day with parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton as they host a food festival and celebration in honor of their patron. Visit: www.saintcharlesborromeo.org for more information.