Saint Galdinus

After the death of Pope Adrian IV, which occurred in 1159, a man equally versed in theology and canon law was elected to succeed him: this was Alexander III. Five cardinals, who disapproved of this election, gave their votes to Octavian, who took the name Victor: from this came a schism that had disastrous consequences. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa declared himself for the schismatics who supported his interests in Rome.

This prince held a grudge against the c ity of Milan, ville de Milan Italian city where the saint has an altar and an annual feast. which claimed to have the exclusive right to choose its magistrates; but his resentment knew no bounds when he saw it recognize Alexander III as the legitimate pope. He came to attack it with a numerous army, and forced it to surrender at discretion after a ten-month siege. He carried vengeance to the last extremes. The inhabitants barely had their lives spared. The city was destroyed; the victor had the plow passed over it, and salt sown in the furrows, as a mark of curse. It was in 1162 that the emperor seized the city of Milan. He had three holy bodies transported to Co logne t Cologne Archiepiscopal see and burial place of the saint. hat were in the church of Saint-Eustorgius, and which were said to be those of the three kings who came t trois rois Relics of the Magi taken from Milan to Cologne by the emperor. o adore Jesus Christ.

Robert, Archbishop of Milan, having died in 1166, Galdi Galdin Archbishop of Milan and cardinal, defender of the papacy against the imperial schism. n, although absent, was elected to succeed him. The Pope consecrated him himself, made him a cardinal, and appointed him legate of the Holy See. The new archbishop did everything in his power to provide help and consolation to the sad remnants of his flock. He worked with ardor to extinguish the schism, and he succeeded throughou Lombardie Region of Italy where Galdinus exercised his influence and combated heresy. t Lombardy.

The inhabitants of Milan, assisted by the money and troops of Lombardy, worked to rebuild their houses and their walls. The work being completed, they returned to their city on April 27, 1167. The emperor set out to attack them; but his army was defeated by the Milanese. This disaster made him more tractable, and he did not dare to draw upon himself the combined forces of Lombardy, the Republic of Venice, Sicily, and all of Italy. He thought seriously about peace. He subsequently consented to have a conference with the Pope, who was in Venice. Things reached the point where he abjured the schism and was perfectly reconciled with the sovereign Pontiff in the year 1177.

However, Galdin fulfilled with exactitude all the duties of a worthy pastor. He assiduously taught the word of God; he relieved the unfortunate with a truly paternal kindness, and even anticipated their various needs. He restored the discipline, which had suffered greatly.

He stifled all seeds of division, and showed himself very zealous in destroying the errors of the Cathars. Thes e hereti Cathares Heretical group that Galdinus strove to destroy in Lombardy. cs were a species of Manichaeans who had taken advantage of the troubles caused by the war to introduce themselves into Lombardy.

Among the virtues that shone in the holy archbishop, one noted a profound humility that led him to regard himself as the greatest sinner in his flock. His love for prayer was no less admirable. He ceaselessly beseeched the Lord to bless his labors and to pour out His graces upon both the shepherd and the flock. Upon leaving prayer, he appeared a man entirely divine. His words were accompanied by a strength and an unction to which nothing could resist; they brought trouble and contrition even into the most hardened hearts.

The zeal with which the Saint was consumed for the salvation of souls prevented him from perceiving the exhaustion of his strength. Although he was too weak to celebrate Mass on the Sunday of the octave of Easter, he still wished to preach. He climbed into the pulpit after the reading of the Gospel and delivered a sermon with great fire; but no sooner had he finished than he fell into a faint from which he did not recover. He was left in the rood screen for the remainder of the Mass, and he expired toward the end of the holy sacrifice, in the midst of his clergy and his people, on April 18, 1176. His death was universally mourned.

Godesca: d. ed. of Lille.