Did you know? April 18 honors Saint Galdinus, Archbishop of Milan, who died while preaching in the pulpit.
As Archbishop of Milan, Galdinus fought vigorously against the Cathars (also called Albigensians), a dangerous dualistic heresy that was spreading rapidly in northern Italy. The Cathars taught that the God of the Old Testament was evil, rejected the sacraments, marriage, and the physical world, and posed a serious threat to Christianity.
Galdinus preached tirelessly against this heresy, worked to convert those who had fallen into it, and strengthened the faith of his people. He was known for his bold, clear, and fiery preaching.
On April 18, 1176, while delivering a powerful sermon against the Cathars in the cathedral, he collapsed and died right in the pulpit, literally giving his life in the act of defending the truth. He spent his final breath defending the faith and serving his people.
Saint Galdinus reminds us of a truth we often avoid: we are all going to die. None of us knows when or how, but death is certain. Reflecting on our mortality is healthy. It rearranges our priorities, clarifies what really matters, and urges us to stop wasting time on things that donโt last.
Thinking about death helps us live better today: with more love, courage, purpose, and less regret.
Saint Galdinus shows us that a life lived with meaning makes death less frightening. He is a powerful example of a shepherd who was willing to lay down his life (literally) for his sheep and for the truth. May we live so well that when our last moment comes, we are already doing what we were made for. ๐
