stalbert

Our patron, Saint Albert the Great, was a thirteenth century saint who was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1931. Born in 1206 is an area of southwestern Germany known as Swabia, he came from a wealthy family who sent him to be educated at the University of Padua where an uncle of his resided. His family became upset when Albert decided to join the Dominican community there, and Albert was discreetly moved to a Dominican house in Cologne, Germany. There he became a scholar in mathematics, ethics, and the physical sciences and he wrote theological and biblical works. He would also teach at the University of Paris and became an instructor of Saint Thomas Aquinas, a great Catholic theologian. Albert also served as Superior of the Dominicans in Germany and he was called to Rome by the Pope to serve as theologian and canonist to the Holy Father.

In 1260 he was appointed Bishop to the Diocese of Regensburg in Germany. (The statue of Saint Albert in our church has him dressed in bishop’s robes.) Interestingly, of all his positions this was the one that Albert found most difficult, and he resigned his episcopal office after only two years.

Saint Albert resumed his teaching career at Cologne, participated as a theologian at the Council of Lyons in 1274, and would travel to the University of Paris to defend the teachings of his student Thomas Aquinas, who had preceded his teacher in death. Albert lived a long life, although his last years were marked by a decline in health and activity. He died at Cologne on November 15, 1280--hence the date his feast is observed. Saint Albert the Great is remembered as a patron saint of students and scientists.

Each year we celebrate the feast of our patron on the Sunday closest to November 15. Special events are usually planned for that day. We also celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on the Feast of Saint Albert the Great, remembering the infirmities.