Saint Galdinus

Saint Galdinus is also called Galdino della Sala. He lived in the 1100s. He served as a bishop and later became a cardinal. He was born in Milan, in what is now Italy. He lived during a time of conflict in both the Church and the world.

Galdinus is remembered for his faith and courage. He stayed loyal to the pope when many others did not. He helped keep the Church strong during hard times. He gave his life to care for the people of Milan.

Galdinus stood against false teachings. He spoke clearly about what the Church teaches. He preached with strength and care. He also worked to bring peace and unity to the Church in Milan.

People respected him for his leadership. He was kind but firm. He helped rebuild the Church after many troubles. His example still matters today.

The Church honors him as a saint. He is known for his faith, his preaching, and his love for the Church. His life shows what it means to be faithful during hard times.

Galdinus was born in Milan around the year 1096. He came from a noble family. Not much is known about his early life. But we know he entered Church service when he was still young.

He became a Church official in Milan. He was made an archdeacon, which was a high position. He worked closely with the archbishop. People saw him as wise and faithful.

He lived during a time when the Church faced great problems. The pope and the emperor were in conflict. Some cities took the emperor’s side. Others stayed loyal to the pope.

Milan was one of the cities that supported the pope. The emperor punished Milan for this. The city was attacked and the Church leaders were sent away. Galdinus went into exile with them.

Even while in exile, Galdinus kept working for the Church. He did not give up. He stayed close to Pope Alexander III. The pope trusted him and gave him more work to do.

When the archbishop of Milan died, Galdinus was chosen to take his place. This happened while he was still in exile. Pope Alexander III made him archbishop and also made him a cardinal. These were great honors but also brought great work.

Galdinus returned to Milan once the city was safe again. The Church was in bad shape. Many churches were damaged. Some people had turned away from the faith. Galdinus began to rebuild and restore the Church.

He worked hard to bring people back to the faith. He helped priests and lay people return to the Church. He cared for the poor and the sick. He visited churches and spoke to the people.

He also spoke out against the emperor’s control over the Church. He taught that only the pope, not the emperor, could lead the Church. Many people were afraid to speak like this. But Galdinus was not afraid.

He stayed loyal to the pope even when it was dangerous. Some called him a troublemaker. But others saw him as a brave shepherd of his people. He cared more about truth than safety.

Galdinus faced a new danger in his later years. A group called the Cathars had come to Milan. They taught ideas that were against the Church. Galdinus knew these teachings were wrong. He began to preach against them.

He gave many sermons to help people understand the truth. He told them what the Church really teaches. He warned them to stay away from false ideas. Many people came to hear him speak.

Galdinus was already old and weak. But he did not stop preaching. He kept working even when he was sick. He cared more about his people than about his own health.

On April 18, 1176, he gave one last sermon. He preached against the Cathars again. After the sermon, he sat down and died. He died while doing his work as a bishop.

People were sad, but they also gave thanks for his life. He had lived and died for his people. He gave everything for the Church.

The Church quickly began to honor Galdinus as a saint. People remembered his faith and his strength. They believed he had gone to heaven. His tomb became a place of prayer.

The Church did not hold a formal canonization. But he was added to the list of saints in Milan. His name was honored in the local calendar. People looked to him as a model of faith.

He is remembered most in the city of Milan. He is one of their patron saints. He is known as a protector of the Church and a defender of truth. People pray to him for strength and courage.

His feast day is celebrated on April 18. This is the day he died. It is also the day people remember his last sermon. He died preaching the truth.

Saint Galdinus is a witness of faith during hard times. He stayed loyal to the pope and to the Church. He gave his life to serve others. His example still speaks to us today.

Living with the End in Mind

Saint Galdinus died right after preaching the truth with all his strength. He knew life was short and wanted his days to count. You and I don’t know how or when we’ll die, but we can live like it matters.

Reflecting on death is not gloomy—it’s clarifying. It helps us sort out what’s really important and let go of what isn’t. Today, take a moment to remember that your life is a gift, and use that thought to live with more purpose, love, and faith.