The feast day of St. Albert the Great is celebrated on November 15. He is the patron saint of scientists and philosophers.
St. Albert the Great was born in Germany. After experiencing an encounter with the Virgin Mary he was inspired to join the Dominican Order also known as the Order of Preachers.
St. Albert was well educated and respected for his knowledge of science and theology, He received his doctorate from the University of Paris in 1245. He studied and commented on the works of Aristotle. Eventually, he became a professor of theology the the University of Paris. He became bishop of Regenburg in 1260. Because he refused to ride a horse and traveled entirely by foot he became known as “boots the bishop”). St. Thomas Aquinas was one of his students, later becoming a good friend.
St. Albert was a prolific writer. His writings are compiled in 38 volumes. He wrote about many subjects including philosophy, geography, astronomy, law and love.
St. Albert became well known as a mediator of disputes. He became ill and died on November 15, 1280.
St. Albert was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1931 and declared a Doctor of the Church.
Three years after his death his body was discovered to be incorrupt. However, when his grave was opened centuries later, only a skeleton was found. His relics are found in St. Andreas Church in Cologne.
It is by the path of love, which is charity,
that God draws near to man, and man to God.
But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell.
If, then, we possess charity, we possess God,
for God is Charity.
Quote of St. Albert the Great
November is the Month of the Holy Souls