Saint of the Day – 18 April – Saint Galdinus della Sala of Milan (c1096-1176) Cardinal ArchBishop

Saint of the Day – 18 April – Saint Galdinus della Sala of Milan (c1096-1176) Cardinal ArchBishop of Milan from 1166 until his death in 1176., Born in c1096 at Milan, Italy and died on 18 April 1176 at Milan, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – of the Archdiocese of Milan and of Lombardy. Galdinus was Canonised by Pope Alexander III. Also known as – Galdini, Galdimus, Galdin, Galdino.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, St Galdini, Cardinal and Bishop of the City, who, at the conclusion of a discourse against heretics, gave up his soul to God.”

Galdinus was the son of the noble della Sala family of Milan and from his childhood, he was educated for the Ecclesiastical life. He received Sacred Orders after occupying various important positions and became the Chancellor of the Church in Milan.

In 1165, Pope Alexander III honoured him with the Title of Cardinal in the Consistory of 15 December as the Cardinal Priest of the Titular Church of Santa Sabina and, a year later, made him the Archbishop of Milan.

One of his first aims was to destroy the schism created by partisans of the antipope, “pope” Victor IV favoured by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and bring them to recognise the legitimate Pontiff Alexander III. In this mission, he skillfully employed the diplomatic gifts he had learned.

Galdinus was very humble, even after reaching this elevated position. He was known for his sweetness and goodness, welcoming all as equals, except in the case of defending his position, when he was an example of fortitude and vigour.

At that time, the Cathars from Cologne were spreading their errors throughout Lombardy and the area of Milan. Galdinus zealously strove to uproot those heresies. His constant preaching and efforts weakened him and his physical strength waned.

In 1176, the Sunday after conducting the Easter ceremonies, he went to the Altar of St Tecla in Milan Cathedral to celebrate Mass but found himself too weak to do so. Nonetheless, at the sermon, he went to the pulpit and delivered a long and vehement discourse refuting the heresies and infamies of the Cathars with greater vigour and virulence than ever. As he finished, he fainted and lost consciousness. He died as the Mass ended, whose Gospel had been that of the Good Shepherd.

He is buried in Milan Cathedral.