
One could only wander that so much was achieved in such a short life. However St Charles has left us a great example of how much grace of God can accomplish in the person who unselfishly gives life to the Lord.
St Charles was also a beloved patron for our Founder, St Eugene de Mazend, who at the baptism was given names of Charles Joseph Eugene. In his life St Eugene was not only inspired by the pastoral commitment of the Italian cardinal but also he lived in deep devotion to the saint. In fact when the Missionaries of Provence founded by Eugene de Mazenod in 1825 opened the first house outside the region of Provence Eugene changed the name of the Congregation to the Oblates of St Charles. It lasted only a few months as during his visit to Rome to have the Congregation approved Eugene changed the name to the Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate. However in the Oblate tradition there has been always a devotion to the great reformer of the Church in the time of the Protestant Reformation.
Saint Charles Borromeo was also the patron of John Paul II who was given the name of the Italian saint at his baptism.