Saint Gregorio Barbarigo
Bishop and Cardinal
(1625-1697)

Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

Gregorio (Gregory) Giovanni Gasparo was born on September 16, 1625 in Venice, Italy as the eldest of four children to the nobles Giovanni Francesco Barbarigo (a senator) and Lucrezia Leoni. His father brought a cousin – Franchesina Lippomani – to look after the children after the death of his wife, when Gregory was 2 years old. Educated by the Jesuits, Gregory’s intellect and piety were evident from a young age.

In 1648, the Venetian government chose Gregory to go with their ambassador, Luigi Contarini, to Münster, Germany. Here. Gregory played a significant role in the negotiations for the Peace of Westphalia, which brought an end to the Thirty Years’ War and established peace on October 24, 1648.

At the negotiations was the papal representative, Archbishop Fabio Chigi, the future Pope Alexander VII. He found Gregory to be a quite exceptional young man, and introduced him to some of the great spiritual writers, most notably, Saint Francis De Sales.

Canon and Civil Lawyer

In July 1648, Gregory returned to Venice and continued his studies at the prestigious University of Padua. In the winter in 1653, he went to Rome to ask the advice of Cardinal Chigi who recommended that he not retire as a hermit but follow the ecclesiastical career and begin obtaining a doctorate in law.

Ordained and Papal Legate

On September 25, 1655, Gregory earned doctorates in both canon law and civil law. Later that year, on December 21, Gregory was ordained to the priesthood in Venice. After only a few months, he was called to Rome by Fabio Chigi, the newly elected Pope, now known as Alexander VII, who initiated him into service as a papal legate. Then, on April 21, 1656, he was appointed as the Referendary of the Tribunals of the Apostolic Signature of Justice and of Grace.

Gregory was known for his charity. He perfomed heroically in serving the material and spiritual needs of the afflicted during a plague that broke out in Rome in 1656.

Bishop to Cardinal

In recognition of his strong faith and admirable qualities, Gregory was consecrated as the first Bishop of Bergamo, Italy, on July 9, 1657. When he arrived in Bergamo, Gregory proceeded to visit each of the 390 parishes of the diocese. He was a leader in promoting the reforms of the Council of Trent. He organized the teaching of Christian doctrine and also worked with seminarians and clergy to raise their standards. His dedication to his episcopal duties and his tireless efforts to uphold Catholic teachings gained him great respect and admiration.

Gregory was a successful bishop. His fame spread through the ranks so much to the point that his old friend Pope Alexander VII elevated him to the rank of cardinal on April 5, 1660. This “promotion” further affirmed his role as an influential figure within the Catholic Church.

Bishop of Padua

In 1664, Gregory was made Bishop of Padua and upon entrance into his new diocese he strove to model himself upon the example of Saint Charles Borromeo.

Gregory actively participated in several papal conclaves throughout his lifetime. He took part in four conclaves, and in two he was among the most likely papal candidates. His involvement in these crucial gatherings highlights his standing as a trusted advisor and an expert in church matters.

In 1676, after the election of Pope Innocent XI, Gregory as asked by the pope to remain in Rome as his counselor and entrusted Rome’s education to him and the reunification of the Eastern Churches. One of Gregory’s great aspirations was to promote unity between the Latin and Orthodox Churches. He dedicated himself to fostering dialogue and understanding between these two branches of Christianity. A printing press was established by Gregory to print in Eastern languages to facilitate communication and understanding between East and West.

Philanthropist

Apart from his ecclesiastical duties, Gregory was known for his philanthropy. His charitable work was remarkably generous, earning him the reputation of being a leading citizen involved in charitable activities on a princely scale. His compassion to the poor was well known for he gave his household goods and his clothes to the poor for their comfort. He even sold his bed on one occasion to help them.

He had a great love for the Eucharist and ordered the doorkeeper of the bishop’s palace to wake him at any hour of the night in case there was a sick person in need. “It’s my duty, and I can’t do otherwise!” he once replied to the doctor who asked him not to tire himself too much with visits.

His Death

After a brief illness, Gregory died after on June 18, 1697 in Padua, Italy. He was buried in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica of the Cathedral of Padua, where his memory and devotion continue to be honored. His remains were exhumed on May 25, 1725 and found to be incorrupt.

Pope Saint John XXIII, who in his homily for canonization, called Saint Gregory Barbarigo “the greatest imitator of Saint Charles Borromeo”.

Born:                   September 16, 1625 in Venice, Italy

Died:                   June 18, 1697 in Padua, Italy

Beatified:           July 6, 1761 by Pope Clement XIII

Canonized:        May 26, 1960 by Pope John XXIII

Feast Day:          June 18

Patron Saint:    Diocese of Bergamo, Italy; Diocese of Padua, Italy

Source:

• • CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Gregory Barbarigo
  • Saint Gregory Barbarigo – Daily Compass
  • Saint Gregory Barbarigo – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
  • Gregorio Barbarigo – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

Saint of the Day – June 18 – Saint Gregory Barbarigo – YouTube (Street Catholic)