“Do not neglect to take care of yourself, nor give so generously to others that you have nothing left for you.”

These are the wise words of Charles Borromeo, Cardinal, Archbishop of Milan and great saint of the Catholic Church. 

Charles made an enormous impact on the Church during his lifetime. During a famine, he fed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily using his own funds. During a plague, he cared for the sick and the dying. And when the Church was facing major issues due to the Protestant Reformation and corruption, he opened the first seminary to better educate the clergy. 

But despite how busy he was helping others and leading them to God, Charles never forgot to take care of his own soul. Each day he made time for prayer, he practiced penance, and he focused on giving away his wealth. It was only because his own soul was flourishing that he was able to make such a profound impact.

So, today let’s do a check-in. Are you taking care of your soul? Are you feeding your soul?

It would be nice if our souls growled when they were hungry, like our stomachs do. But they don’t. Your immortal soul is the most valuable possession you have—feed it, nurture it, celebrate it. Charles Borromeo and all the saints realized the value of their immortal souls, so they made it a priority to nourish and nurture them. 

How can you make your soul a priority? Stop by a Church for ten minutes a day and speak to God about your life. Spend time in nature. Read five pages of a Catholic book every day. Listen to some beautiful music. Pray a decade of the Rosary. There are endless ways to feed your soul. 

It’s time to begin truly paying attention to the hunger in your soul. You can try to ignore it or deny it or pretend it isn’t there, but it will never simply disappear. It is an invitation from God, and he will never cease trying to draw you to himself.



Feast Day: November 4

Feast Day Shared By: Saints Vitalis and Agricola

Patron Saint of: Apple Orchards, Catechists, Seminarians, Spiritual Directors, and Starch Makers; Against Ulcers, Intestinal Disorders, and Stomach Diseases

Symbols: A Cross

Also Known As: The Loving Reformer

Canonized: November 1, 1610

Canonized By: Pope Paul V