“On his return to Venice, haunted by the thought of
giving himself to God, he once more applied to his spiritual director, who helped
him discern his vocation really was to the priesthood and not to married life.
Shortly after his ordination, in 1657, Pope Alexander VII (1655-57) consecrated
him bishop of Bergamo. Three years later, he created him cardinal and in 1664 transferred
him to the see of Padua.
“At Padua,
as at Bergamo, the holy bishop showed himself as a very model of pastors, imbued
with watchful zeal and boldness of initiative. He took special care in carrying
out the reforms ordered by the Council of Trent (1545-63), of the seminaries,
watching over the studies and conduct of the future priests, etc.
“In many ways he was a man before
his times. For instance, he made use of lay catechists, and his ecumenical
concern was shown by the foundation of a chair in eastern languages and in
setting up a printing press with all the necessary characters for producing
work in these languages.
“After a life filled with apostolic
labours, of untiring generosity, deep humility, and great piety, he died at Padua
on June 18, 1697. He was beatified in 1761. Bl. John XXIII canonized him on May
26, 1960.”
~ St. Andrew Daily Missal (Bruges: Biblica, 1962)
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