Our Patron Saint

St. Albert the Great

St. Albert the Great, also known as Albertus Magnus, is the patron saint of scientists and students, especially those who study science. Born 1206 in Lauingen, Bavaria, Albert is considered one of the greatest German philosophers and theologians of the Middle Ages. He is known throughout history as a philosopher, theologian, and was the instructor of St. Thomas Aquinas and Peter of Tarentasia, who later became Pope Innocent V.

Albert had a spiritual encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary, who convinced him to enter Holy Orders. Against the wishes of his family, Albert became a member of the Dominican Order in 1223. In 1254 he was appointed provincial of the Dominican Order andsix years later was appointed Bishop of Regensburg. During his tenure as Bishop, Albert enhanced his reputation for humility by refusing to ride a horse in accord with the dictates of the Dominican Order. Instead, Albert walked back and forth across his huge diocese. This earned him the affectionate nickname, "Boots the Bishop," from his parishioners. Albert resigned his appointment as bishop in 1263 and spent the remainder of his life partly in retirement until his death on November 15, 1280.

His tomb is in the crypt of the Dominican church of St. Andreas in Cologne, and his relics are at the Cologne Cathedral. Albert the Great was beatified in 1633. He was canonized a saint and proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1931 by Pope Pius XI, a distinction and honor given to only 36 saints.

PATRON

Albert the Great is the patron of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio; medical technicians; natural sciences; philosophers; school children; scientists; students; and students of theology.

PRAYER ON ST. ALBERT'S FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 15

O God, who made the Bishop Saint Albert great by his joining of human wisdom to divine faith, grant, we pray, that we may so adhere to the truths he taught, that through progress in learning we may come to a deeper knowledge and love of you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

- Roman Missal