Carlo Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, in the midst of religious disciplining, pastoral renewal and Christian education (1564-1584)

The twenty year period of pastoral action of the Milan Archibishop Carlo Borromeo, are examined in the light of the “social disciplining”, that was a basic component of the Reform, and a sign of the evolution of the modern State and society after the Tridentine turning point. The Borromaic pastoral aimed at putting into effects the Tridentine decrees, and in this connection the historical sources testify the impressive confession-building process which took place in the Milanese area. This process ended with the realisation of a series of new models, such as: the pastor-bishop, i.e. bishop-educator and promoter of a “popular” and active dimension of the Counter-reformation; the new Church, with its hierarchical and centralised organisation, aimed not at abusing, but at discipling and supporting Christian people; the clergy, which was spread across the territory through churches, parishes, and monasteries as well as secular confraternities, and which merged into spiritual animation, education and assistance towards the faithful.