St. Albert the Great

St. Albert the Great was born around 1200 in Lauingen, Bavaria (modern-day Germany), to a noble family. Little is known about his early life, but he showed exceptional intellectual abilities from a young age. Albert received his early education in Germany and later traveled to Italy to study at the University of Padua, one of the most prestigious universities of the time. It was during his studies in Padua that Albert first encountered the Dominican friars and was deeply impressed by their way of life, particularly their commitment to poverty, study, and preaching. Despite his noble background and the expectations of his family, Albert chose to join the Dominican Order around 1223, taking the religious name Albert.

After joining the Dominicans, Albert continued his studies in theology and philosophy, becoming one of the most brilliant minds of his generation. He was sent to various Dominican houses throughout Germany to teach and study. Albert's intellectual curiosity was boundless, and he became interested in virtually every field of knowledge available at the time, including theology, philosophy, natural science, mathematics, astronomy, botany, zoology, and alchemy. His encyclopedic knowledge and his ability to integrate different fields of study earned him the title "the Great" even during his lifetime. Albert's approach to learning was characterized by his belief that all truth comes from God and that the study of nature can lead to a deeper understanding of the Creator.

In 1248, Albert was sent to Paris to establish a Dominican house of studies, where he would become the teacher of one of the most brilliant students in history: St. Thomas Aquinas. Albert quickly recognized Thomas's extraordinary abilities and became his mentor and friend. The relationship between Albert and Thomas was one of mutual respect and intellectual collaboration. Albert's influence on Thomas was profound, particularly in his approach to integrating Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. Albert's own writings, which covered virtually every field of knowledge, provided a foundation for Thomas's later work. Albert was known for his humility and his willingness to learn from his students, including Thomas, whom he often referred to as "the dumb ox" due to Thomas's quiet nature, but whom he recognized as having greater intellectual gifts than himself.

Albert's academic career was marked by his appointment as a professor at the University of Paris and later at the University of Cologne. He was also called upon to serve in various administrative positions within the Dominican Order and the Church. In 1260, Albert was appointed Bishop of Regensburg, a position he accepted reluctantly and held for only three years before resigning to return to his beloved studies and teaching. Albert's tenure as bishop was marked by his efforts to reform the diocese and his continued commitment to learning and teaching. After resigning as bishop, Albert returned to Cologne, where he continued to teach and write until his death.

St. Albert the Great died on November 15, 1280, in Cologne, Germany, at the age of about eighty. His death marked the end of one of the most remarkable intellectual careers in the history of the Church. Albert's writings, which fill over 40 volumes in modern editions, cover virtually every field of knowledge available in the thirteenth century. His work in natural science was particularly important, as he was one of the first medieval scholars to conduct systematic observations and experiments. Albert was beatified in 1622 and canonized in 1931 by Pope Pius XI, who also declared him a Doctor of the Church with the title "Universal Doctor" in recognition of his encyclopedic knowledge and his contribution to virtually every field of learning. His feast day is celebrated on November 15th.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Albert the Great is celebrated on November 15th, during the autumn season when the Church reflects on the themes of wisdom and the harvest of knowledge. This feast is celebrated as a memorial in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing Albert's importance as a Doctor of the Church and his contribution to virtually every field of learning. The feast falls during a time when many students are in the middle of their academic terms, making it an ideal time to reflect on the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Albert's memory and to reflect on the relationship between faith and reason, and the importance of using our intellectual gifts in service of God and others.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Albert the Great, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor his memory and seek his intercession. Churches, particularly those associated with the Dominican Order, hold special Masses and services. Many educational institutions, especially Catholic schools and universities, hold special events to honor Albert's contribution to education and learning. The day is also marked by prayers for students, teachers, and all those involved in education, asking for St. Albert's intercession in helping them to pursue truth and wisdom. Many people also take time to read and reflect on Albert's writings, particularly his works on natural science and philosophy. The feast is also a time to reflect on the importance of integrating faith and reason in our lives and in our educational pursuits.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of wisdom and the ability to integrate faith and reason in our lives. Many people make special petitions for students and teachers, asking for St. Albert's intercession in helping them to pursue truth and to use their knowledge for the glory of God. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of study and learning as a form of prayer and service to God. St. Albert's feast day encourages us to remember that all truth comes from God and that the pursuit of knowledge can be a path to holiness. It is also a time to pray for the humility to recognize the limits of human knowledge and to remain open to the mysteries of faith.