June 18th - Gregory Barbarigo

Not everyone gets to be the front man. Sometimes it is just enough to be in the background, doing God's will and working hard to do the will of the Spirit in the Church. That is Gregory - always a bridesmaid and never a bride. In the College of Cardinals he participated in the election of four popes.
Mainly he was known as a distinguished churchman and leading citizen whose charities were on a princely scale and for his work for unity between the Latin and Orthodox Churches - that they may be one - a noble task.

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A lasting covenant was made with him, that never again would all flesh be destroyed. He observed the Most High’s command, and entered into a covenant with him; In his own flesh he incised the ordinance, and when tested was found loyal. From him came the man who would win the favor of all the living: Dear to God and human beings, God made him like the angels in honor, and strengthened him with fearful powers. At his words God performed signs and sustained him in the king’s presence. He gave him the commandments for his people, and revealed to him his glory. Because of his trustworthiness and meekness God selected him from all flesh; He let him hear his voice, and led him into the cloud, Where he handed over the commandments, the law of life and understanding, That he might teach his precepts to Jacob, his judgments and decrees to Israel. He made his office perpetual and bestowed on him priesthood for his people; He established him in honor and crowned him with lofty majesty. He clothed him in splendid garments, and adorned him with glorious vestments.

-- Sirach 44:18,20; 45:1-8