Saint of the Day: St. Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Image from catholic.org/saints
Biographical information compiled with the help of catholic.org/saints, Vatican News, catholictradition.org, and catholicsaints.info

FEAST DAY
November 15

PATRON OF
Schoolchildren, scientists, the natural sciences, theology students, students, philosophers, and medical technicians

• St. Albert was the teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas, who beceame came to study under him when he was a student in Paris and Cologne
• Born around the year 1200 in Lauingen an der Donau, Swabia
• Died on November 15, 1280 in Cologne, Prussia of natural causes
• It is inferred that he was born into a family of high status, as he received an excellent education which created the foundation for his passion for learning and reputation of great intellect
• Though he did continue his collegiate studies and earn his doctorate, he is not referred to as a "Doctor of the Church" for this reason; in fact, in his lifetime, he was referred to as the "Universal Doctor" by many of his contemporaries, due to his extensive knowledge on many subjects, and his talent for writing these ideas in such a comprehensive way. He was in fact declared a "Doctor of the Church" by Pope Pius XI in 1931, at the time of his canonization. According to the USCCB, "to be declared a Doctor of the Church means that the whole body of their work taken together serves to advance the cause of Christ and his Church."
• St. Albert was of the Dominican Order

How can you recognize and celebrate the feast of St. Albert the Great in your home?

• St. Albert the Great was a brilliant writer, and a lifelong learner and teacher. Consider reading or writing about one of his favorite topics: philosophy, geography, law, astronomy, friendship, love, any of the natural sciences, or theology.
• Write a card and gift it to one of your favorite teachers in your life today, telling them how much you appreciate them and their work!
• Visit a local science center and immerse yourself and your family into the natural sciences. Allow yourself to be awed by the wonder and beauty of God's design.