St. Gregory Barbarigo was born on September 16, 1625, into an aristocratic family in Venice, Italy. After completing his education at Padua, he entered the diplomatic service and became inspired to pursue the priesthood after meeting Fabio Chigi, the Papal Legate. Gregory was ordained in December 1655 and was called to Rome, where he became a Referendary of the Tribunals of the Apostolic Signature of Justice and Grace and was made a domestic prelate.
In Rome, he showed a deep commitment to those afflicted by the plague. In 1658, after being consecrated Bishop of Bergamo, he entered the city with the Acta Ecclesiae Vediolanensis, demonstrating his intention to emulate St. Charles Borromeo. He became a Cardinal in 1660 and was appointed Bishop of Padua in 1664. His dedication to his dioceses was remarkable; he taught catechism, visited all parishes—even the most remote—twice during his tenure, and undertook significant personal sacrifices for his flock.
Barbarigo recognized the need to cultivate a knowledgeable and zealous clergy to prevent spiritual decline. When he arrived at the seminary, there were only 30 students in a dilapidated building. Within six years, he moved the seminary to a former monastery, increasing enrollment to 100 students, whom he personally recruited. He revitalized studies, emphasizing Latin, Greek, and rhetoric, which led to a doubling of schools and a five-fold increase in teachers. His generosity was evident, as he even sold his bed to support the underprivileged.
After a brief illness, St. Gregory Barbarigo died on June 18, 1697, in Padua, where he was buried in the diocesan cathedral, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and service.
St. Gregory Barbarigo, pray for us, that we may be ever mindful of our sacred calling, steadfast in our pursuit of sanctity, and united in our love for our Heavenly Father.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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