Gregorio Barbarigo

Saint Gregorio Giovanni Gaspare Barbarigo was born on September 16, 1625, into a noble Venetian family in Venice, Italy. Gifted in learning and languages, he first served in public life, even traveling to Münster as secretary to the Venetian ambassador during the negotiations that led to the Peace of Westphalia. Yet the Lord drew him from politics to the priesthood. After earning doctorates in canon and civil law, he was ordained a priest in 1655 and soon poured himself out in charity during a plague in Rome, nursing the sick, caring for mothers and children, and burying the dead. Appointed Bishop of Bergamo in 1657, he became known as a tireless shepherd, personally visiting every parish. Created a cardinal in 1660 and later made Bishop of Padua, he strengthened seminaries, promoted sound formation in the spirit of the Council of Trent, and preached and taught throughout his diocese. Remembered for deep compassion for the poor and steadfast pastoral zeal, he died in Padua on June 18, 1697. He is honored as patron of Monterosso. His feast day is June 18.