Today in Catholic Church History – November 4 brings together a papal coronation, the memory of Saint Charles Borromeo, missionary teaching, and important documents about unity and devotion.
On this date in 1958, John XXIII was crowned pope. In 1984, John Paul II celebrated Mass in Arona, the birthplace of Charles Borromeo. In 2009, Benedict XVI dated a constitution providing a way for groups of Anglicans to enter full Catholic communion.
Other November 4 events speak about public service, forgiveness within families, prayer for the dead, and dialogue between people of different backgrounds.
Together, these anniversaries ask a practical question: how can the faith we profess shape the way we lead, work, pray, and care for others?
Historical note: The ten numbered entries concern events or documents dated November 4. A document’s date is not always the day it was publicly released. Saint Charles Borromeo’s November 4 memorial is a liturgical observance and should be distinguished from the dates of his birth and canonization.
1. 1958 – John XXIII Is Crowned Pope
On November 4, 1958, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was crowned as Pope John XXIII. He had been elected on October 28. The Holy See’s records distinguish the election from the coronation that followed.
The ceremony fell on the remembrance of Saint Charles Borromeo, a saint whom Roncalli had studied closely. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences’ biography recalls his wish to be a good shepherd as a defining concern of his pontificate.
This anniversary invites prayer for the pope and for all who lead the Church. The public signs of office point toward a demanding responsibility: to guide people in faith, protect what has been entrusted to them, and serve with pastoral love.
2. 1970 – Paul VI Explains the Missionary Character of His Coming Journey
On November 4, 1970, Pope Paul VI used his General Audience to explain the spiritual and missionary character of his planned journey to Asia and Oceania. He asked the faithful to accompany the undertaking through prayer.
He discussed the coming itinerary, including Manila and the opportunity to meet bishops from East Asia. The journey itself would begin later that month, rather than on the date of this audience.
The event reminds us that preparation and prayer belong within the Church’s missionary work. A journey can express pastoral concern for communities far from Rome, while helping Catholics elsewhere recognize the breadth of the Church’s life and responsibilities.
3. 1984 – John Paul II Celebrates Mass in Arona
On November 4, 1984, Pope Saint John Paul II celebrated Mass in Arona, the birthplace of Saint Charles Borromeo. The visit formed part of the remembrance of four centuries since the saint’s death.
In his homily, he reflected on Charles as a pastor and disciple of Christ. He recalled his care for people who were sick or poor and the generosity through which material resources became practical assistance.
The anniversary connects a public papal visit with the daily demands of pastoral service. Love must reach people in a form they can receive: food, clothing, care, teaching, and the attentive presence of someone willing to help.
4. 2000 – John Paul II Addresses Government Leaders and Politicians
On November 4, 2000, during the Great Jubilee, John Paul II addressed government leaders, members of parliament, and politicians gathered in Rome. He reflected on the responsibilities attached to public life.
He described political activity as service directed toward the common good. The address encouraged those holding authority to take their moral responsibilities seriously rather than reduce public office to personal advantage.
This event invites Christians to examine their civic conduct as well as their private lives. Public resources, laws, and administrative decisions affect real families. Honesty, concern for vulnerable people, and responsible leadership should be visible wherever authority is exercised.
5. 2009 – Benedict XVI Dates Anglicanorum Coetibus
The apostolic constitution Anglicanorum coetibus bears the date November 4, 2009, the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo. Pope Benedict XVI provided a framework for groups of Anglicans seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.
The constitution made provision for personal ordinariates, Church structures comparable in law to dioceses. Within full Catholic communion, they could preserve approved elements of their liturgical, spiritual, and pastoral inheritance.
The date concerns the constitution itself; it should not be described as the simultaneous establishment of every later ordinariate. The anniversary highlights both the importance of Christian unity and the careful pastoral arrangements required to receive communities faithfully.
6. 2012 – Benedict XVI Reflects on Love of God and Neighbour
On November 4, 2012, Benedict XVI devoted his Angelus reflection to the great commandment of love. He connected love for God with the practical love we offer our neighbours.
He explained that receiving God’s love helps us see another person more deeply, beyond outward appearances. Prayer and concern for others belong together within a coherent Christian life.
The anniversary offers a simple examination of conscience. Does worship make us more attentive at home and more just in our dealings? A sincere relationship with God should gradually change the patience, generosity, and respect we bring to the people around us.
7. 2015 – Francis Teaches About Forgiveness in Families
On November 4, 2015, Pope Francis continued his General Audience teaching on the family. His theme was forgiveness, drawing attention to the words of the Lord’s Prayer.
He described family life as a place where people learn to give, ask forgiveness, and rebuild relationships after ordinary failures. Small acts of reconciliation can prevent resentment from becoming deeply established.
This teaching speaks to the life of many households. A sincere apology and a changed response can help repair a hurt. Forgiveness also calls for truth and responsibility; a loving family takes wrongdoing seriously while seeking the good of its members.
8. 2016 – Francis Prays for Cardinals and Bishops Who Had Died
On November 4, 2016, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Vatican Basilica for cardinals and bishops who had died during the preceding twelve months. The liturgy placed their lives and ministry before God’s mercy.
His homily expressed gratitude for their Christian and priestly witness while continuing to offer prayer for them. He spoke of the journey toward the Father’s house and the hope grounded in Christ.
The anniversary reminds us that gratitude and intercession belong together. We can remember a priest or bishop who helped us in faith, give thanks for that ministry, and pray that the Lord will welcome the departed into his light and peace.
9. 2022 – Francis Addresses the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue
On November 4, 2022, Pope Francis addressed the closing session of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue in Awali. The gathering’s theme concerned East and West and the possibility of human coexistence.
Francis urged encounter and cooperation in a world marked by division, war, and serious inequality. He asked participants to consider the needs of ordinary people and those whose suffering is easily overlooked.
This anniversary distinguishes the forum’s closing session from the pope’s arrival the previous day. Its lesson reaches everyday relationships too: careful listening and practical cooperation can help people address shared needs while respecting differences in belief and background.
10. 2025 – The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Publishes Mater Populi Fidelis
On November 4, 2025, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published Mater Populi fidelis, a doctrinal note concerning certain Marian titles and Mary’s cooperation in the work of salvation.
The note affirms Marian devotion while explaining Mary’s place in relation to Jesus Christ, the sole Redeemer and Mediator. It judges the title Co-redemptrix inappropriate because it can obscure Christ’s unique saving role.
The anniversary encourages careful, faithful language in devotion. Honouring Mary should deepen our attention to her Son. The document also highlights her maternal relationship with believers and the value of trusting her intercession within the Church’s faith.
Saints and Feast Days Remembered on November 4
Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
The Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo on November 4. Archbishop of Milan, he is remembered for serious attention to the formation of clergy, the teaching of the faith, and pastoral care.
His concern for people affected by the plague gave practical expression to his responsibilities. The pope’s 1984 homily at Arona recalled assistance with food, clothing, and shelter. Charles’s example challenges us to make leadership useful to those who need help.
Pastoral Renewal Through Personal Example
Charles’s remembrance invites bishops, priests, catechists, parents, and teachers to examine the example they give. Clear teaching matters, and so does the conduct of the person who teaches. Patience, preparation, integrity, and prayer can make a lesson more credible.
We can ask for the grace to learn what we need to know, correct our failures, and take responsibility for the people entrusted to us. Renewal often begins when we allow the Gospel to examine our own habits.
John XXIII’s Coronation Anniversary
November 4 recalls John XXIII’s coronation in 1958. His election took place on October 28, and his liturgical memorial is October 11. Keeping these dates distinct helps us appreciate both the historical event and the Church’s liturgical remembrance.
Liturgical Day – November 4, 2026
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 is the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop. The readings used for our reflection are Philippians 2:12–18; Psalm 27; and Luke 14:25–33, the weekday sequence presented for this date by the USCCB.
See the Catholic Daily Mass Readings for November 4, 2026 and our Luke 14:25–33 reflection: Count the Cost of Following Jesus.
What Can We Learn From November 4?
The events of November 4 show the Church at prayer, teaching the faith, preparing for mission, welcoming communities, and encouraging responsibility in public life. They also remind us that words need a faithful response. A public ceremony or carefully written document becomes fruitful through the lives of people who receive its message and act.
Saint Charles Borromeo offers a practical example of leadership joined to service. Responsibilities can bring influence and resources, but they also create opportunities to assist people whose needs are urgent. We can ask whether the authority we hold, however modest, makes life more dignified for others.
Why did God create us? We were made to know him, love him, serve him, and share his life forever. This calling gives direction to our talents, gifts, skills, passions, and knowledge. We can develop them responsibly and offer them in the places where God has given us work and relationships.
A teacher who prepares well respects the learner. A nurse who listens carefully respects the patient. A public officer who handles a request honestly respects the citizen. A parish volunteer who completes a task reliably respects the whole community. Our abilities become gifts of love through the quality and integrity of the service we provide.
The Gospel for this day asks us to count the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus can require us to surrender an advantage, admit a wrong, give time we would prefer to keep, or refuse a dishonest instruction. These choices can be costly, and they deserve prayerful consideration. We rely on grace as we learn to make Christ our first loyalty.
The teaching on family forgiveness adds another dimension. Faithfulness often asks for the humility to apologize. We may be willing to do a public good while resisting a quiet conversation at home. Reconciliation begins when we stop protecting our pride and take responsibility for the hurt we have caused.
Finally, the anniversaries of dialogue and communion invite patience. Understanding a person or receiving a community requires more than a quick slogan. We can listen carefully, speak accurately, and avoid treating people as examples in an argument. Choose one response today: prepare your work more carefully, offer a sincere apology, give practical help, or make time for prayer. Let remembrance of Church history strengthen your own fidelity.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the shepherds, teachers, and servants through whom you have cared for your people. As we remember November 4, help us receive the lessons of history with gratitude and discernment.
Through the example of Saint Charles Borromeo, teach us to join faith with practical charity. Make us attentive to people who are sick, hungry, lonely, or in need of patient instruction.
Lord Jesus, give us courage to count the cost of following you. Free us from dishonest gain, empty appearances, and the pride that refuses correction. Help us place our gifts, knowledge, skills, and resources at the service of love.
Bless families seeking reconciliation and leaders entrusted with public responsibilities. Guide your Church in teaching, mission, and the work of communion. May truth be spoken clearly and received with humble hearts.
Through Mary’s maternal intercession, draw us closer to her Son. Strengthen our daily prayer, make our service dependable, and lead us toward the joy of life with you. May the people we serve find reason to praise your goodness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sources and Further Reading
Pontifical Academy of Sciences: John XXIII’s biography and coronation
Paul VI: General Audience, November 4, 1970
John Paul II: Mass in Arona, November 4, 1984
John Paul II: Jubilee of government leaders and politicians, November 4, 2000
Benedict XVI: Anglicanorum coetibus, dated November 4, 2009
Benedict XVI: Angelus, November 4, 2012
Francis: family forgiveness, November 4, 2015
Francis: Mass for deceased cardinals and bishops, November 4, 2016
Francis: Bahrain Forum for Dialogue, November 4, 2022
Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: Mater Populi fidelis, November 4, 2025
USCCB: Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, November 4, 2026
Share this post with someone you would like to encourage in faith. Follow CatholicReadings.org on Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, and Threads for daily readings, reflections, and Church history.
Follow @ReadingCatholic
