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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
c. 1200 – November 15, 1280
Patron Saint of natural scientists, medical technicians, philosophers, and scientists
Despite his many accomplishments and distinguished scholarly pursuits, St. Albert the Great showed great humility. As a bishop, he chose to walk the vast area of his archdiocese rather than ride on a horse. While he was a beloved bishop who cared for his people, brought reforms to his diocese, and settled divisions within his community, his scholarly accomplishments are his legacy.
St. Albert was gifted and equally adept in science, philosophy, astrology, theology, and diplomacy. He was considered the greatest German philosopher and theologian of the Middle Ages. He was the first to comment on all of Aristotle’s writings, which placed him at the center of academic debate.
Born in Bavaria to a noble German family in the 13th century, St. Albert showed a keen interest in learning at an early age. Against his family’s initial wishes, he joined the Dominican Order, embracing a life of prayer, study, and service. His Dominican vocation shaped him into a man of humility and dedication to pursuing truth.
St. Albert gained a reputation as a brilliant teacher and thinker. He taught in Cologne, Paris, and other major centers of learning, forming students who would themselves become great saints and theologians, including St. Thomas Aquinas.
He was also a man of peace. The pope frequently asked St. Albert to mediate disputes between political and religious leaders. His wisdom and reputation for fairness made him a trusted peacemaker during times of controversy. St. Albert also founded institutions of learning, advancing education in both the sciences and theology.
St. Albert the Great believed that faith and reason are not in conflict because both come from God. He argued that studying nature led to a deeper understanding of holiness and that philosophy was in alignment with Christian theology.
In recognition of his contributions to the Church, St. Albert was named a Doctor of the Church and Doctor Universalis in 1931 by Pope Pius XI. He is honored as the patron saint of scientists and philosophers.
Because of the vast range of his knowledge—spanning theology, philosophy, and the natural sciences—he was given the title “Universal Doctor.” St. Albert is the only person who has received this title from the Church.
St. Albert was not only a great theologian and Doctor of the Church, but he was also the leading scientist of his age. During this time, controversy arose in Christian Europe from Arabic texts that used Aristotle’s writings to challenge Church teaching on the intellect of the individual and the creation of the world from nothing. St. Albert’s vast knowledge of Aristotle’s writings enabled him to successfully address the Arabian texts and establish the compatibility of faith and reason.
Yes. St. Albert’s most well-known student was St. Thomas Aquinas, who carried forward St. Albert’s balanced approach to faith and reason. Three years after the death of St. Thomas Aquinas, some bishops criticized his writings as contrary to Church teaching. Advanced in years, St. Albert the Great traveled to Paris to defend his former student’s writings, affirming that faith and reason were not opposed to each other and did not contradict Church doctrine. St. Albert’s writings and research advanced knowledge in both science and philosophy.
St. Albert often resolved conflicts between political rulers and Church leaders and was regarded as a wise and trusted mediator. The pope and other Church leaders valued his diplomatic skills.
When he was the bishop of the diocese of Regensburg, St. Albert resolved financial and spiritual issues to bring peace to the community. He also helped to resolve a major conflict between the citizens of Cologne and their archbishop, as well as various issues between princes and Church leaders.
This eBook combines stunning photography from EWTN’s Vatican Bureau along with Bible passages and saints’ quotes that will calm your heart, give you hope, and remind you that God is with us always. Simply fill out the form below and we will send this to you!
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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