Wednesday, November 15, 2023

(Optional) Memorial of Saint Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Wisdom 6:1-11; Luke 17:11-19)

Ironically St. Albert the Great’s name has been obscured by that of St. Thomas Aquinas whom Albert taught and defended.  Albert, like Thomas, had an expansive mind which mastered all the trends in philosophy and theology of his time.  More than his disciple, he understood physical nature through experimentation. 

Not only was Albert a genius, he was also a trusted leader.  He was elected provincial in his religious order (the Dominicans) and then made a bishop.  He resigned both positions, however, in order to teach, research, and write.  He proved to be generous as well when he left his work to defend his student Thomas against the charge of heresy.

St. Albert is the patron of scientists.  He serves as a model of those who hold that faith and science do not and cannot conflict.  Indeed, they serve each other.  Faith assures scientists that there is a transcendent meaning in their ceaseless search for truth.  Science reminds the faithful that God’s Providence is far more magnificent than even the Bible conveys.

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