St. Albert the Great, also known as Albertus Magnus, was a 13th-century Dominican priest, scholar, teacher, scientist, theologian, philosopher, and writer of extraordinary intellect, extensive knowledge, and influence. He is best known as an authority in the natural sciences, a proponent of the coexistence of faith and science (as evidenced by his work in applying the ideas of Aristotle to Christian Europe), a prolific writer, and the teacher and mentor of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was a university instructor, an administrator of his religious order, a bishop, and a consultant to the Pope and other Church leaders.
In 1931, Pope Pius XI canonized St. Albert and declared him a Doctor of the Church; and in 1941, Pope Pius XII declared him patron saint of natural scientists. St. Albert’s symbols include a bishop’s crosier, a teacher’s cap, a large book, and a globe. His feast day is November 15.
