Thirteenth-century German Dominican bishop and Doctor of the Church, teacher of Thomas Aquinas and patron of scientists.
Life
Saint Albert the Great was born around 1200 in Lauingen, Bavaria, Germany. While studying at Padua he joined the Dominicans, and he taught theology in places such as Cologne and Paris. His most famous student was Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Besides theology and philosophy, he studied the natural world broadly, from plants and animals to minerals and the stars, and in his own day was called the Universal Doctor. Around 1260 he was appointed bishop of Regensburg, but after about two years he resigned and returned to teaching and preaching.
He died in Cologne in 1280. In 1931 he was canonized and at the same time declared a Doctor of the Church, and he is the patron of natural scientists. The Church remembers him on November 15.
Spirituality
Albert's spirituality is the harmony of faith and reason. He believed that studying the world God made is a way of coming to know the Creator more deeply. A great scholar, he was also a humble teacher who rejoiced in his student's gifts and supported him generously.
Reflection
The wisdom of God is in the stars at night and in a single small flower. Today, would you pause for a moment in nature and give thanks to God the Creator?