This sixteenth century saint was Archbishop of Milan and a Cardinal. He was a leading figure in the Counter-Reformation in Europe, and as such was responsible for many reforms in the Catholic Church, including the establishment of seminaries for the training of priests.

He said: ‘In meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in others. If a tiny spark of God’s love already burns within you, do not expose it to the wind, for it may get blown out. Keep the stove tightly shut so that it will not lose its heat and grow cold. In other words, avoid distractions as well as you can … Stay quiet with God’.

May St Charles’ prayers inspire us to ‘stay quiet with God this day’; and may Jesus Christ Himself be very close to you.