π Life Timeline
1206
Born in Lauingen, Germany
1260
- came provincial of his Order in Germany and, in 1260, accepted under obedience the see of Ratisbon
1622
nd ββ Doctor Univer- salis
1981
nized by being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1981
1931
Canonized β 1931 by Pope Pius XI
β Biography
ALBERT the GREAT (St) Bp. Dr. O.P.
' R.M. Nov. 15 1206-1280. A Swabian by descent, Albert was sent to the university of Padua where
OF SAINTS
he joined the Dominicans. Appointed lector of theology, he taught at Cologne and Paris. Here St Thomas Aquinas was his disciple, and Albert was the first to recognize Thomasβs genius and to foretell the future work of his pupil. Albert be- came provincial of his Order in Germany and, in 1260, accepted under obedience the see of Ratisbon. He resigned two years later and retired to Cologne, where he spent the rest of his life teaching and writing. Albert was the chief pioneer in the application of the Aristotelian system to theology. His printed works fill thirty- eight quarto volumes and deal with all branches of learning. For this reason he is called ββthe Greatβ? and ββ Doctor Univer- salis.ββ He was beatified in 1622 and was equivalently canonized by being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1981.
Cf. Dict. Baudrill. β Att. β Baud.
ALBERT of LOUVAIN (St) Bp. M.
R.M. Nov. 21 c. 1166-1192. Born at Mont CΓ©sar in Louvain and chosen bishop of LiΓ©ge in 1191. His election was opposed by the e
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Scientists, naturalists, researchers, and those studying the relationship between faith and reason. Doctor of the Church.
π¬ Words of the Saint
The study of nature is the study of the mind of God.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 1200
Died
1280
Feast Day
November 15
Canonized
1931 by Pope Pius XI
π Legacy
Albert the Great proved that faith and science are compatible. His scientific writings were centuries ahead of their time. He trained Aquinas, whose Summa Theologica shaped Western thought. He is the patron saint of scientists.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π De Mineralibus
On the Study of Nature
The study of nature is the study of God's workmanship. In every creature, we see the wisdom, the power, the goodness of the Creator. The more we study nature, the more we come to know God. The scientist who studies nature with a devout heart is a worshipper of God.
β St. Albert the Great
π Summa Theologiae
On the Angels
The angels are the messengers of God, the ministers of His will, the executors of His commands. They are the light of heaven, the joy of the blessed, the guardians of men. They are the invisible hosts who surround the throne of God, singing His praises day and night.
β St. Albert the Great