St. Albert The Great

Created by Dennis Alberts.

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NARR: “On December 16, 1931, Pope Pius XI declared that Albert of Germany, known to his contemporaries as Albertus Magnus or Albert the Great, was now a saint as well as a Doctor of the Church. “

“There could possibly be no better saint for modern times than St. Albert, as he was as much a scientist and student of nature as he was a devoted bishop and Catholic philosopher. St. Albert united science with the Church, and dispelled the misconception that the two are diametrically opposed. Blessed with a high intellect , a strong love of nature and excellent powers of observation, St. Albert used these gifts for the glory of the Lord and not himself.”

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NARR: “St. Albert was born in a castle in Bavaria, in the year 1206. He was the oldest son of Count Bollstadt. His first form of education was received at the hands of tutors in his father’s house. His keen sense of observation, and his love of nature was formed in the fields and woods near his home, where he hunted with hawks and hounds and spent days observing the variety of flora and fauna.”

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NARR: “At the age of sixteen, while a student at the University of Padua, St. Albert heard Blessed Jordan of Saxony preach, and was extremely impressed and moved to wanting to preach himself. Blessed Jordan was a member of the order that would become known as the Dominicans. St. Albert’s initial zeal began to seriously waver, when his uncle, who became his guardian after the death of his father, voiced strong opposition to the priesthood for his nephew. While praying in a Dominican garden, the Holy Mother appeared to St.Albert, and gave him assurance.”

ST. AL: “Father, is my uncle correct? Is the priesthood not for me? Should I not become a member of the Order of Preachers? Is this truly my calling? Holy Mother, pray for me.”

MARY: “O Albert, leave the world and enter the Order of Friars Preacher which I have obtained from my Son for the salvation of the world in these last days, and of which I am the special patroness. In it apply yourself ardently to the practice of the Rule and to study, because God will fill you with such wisdom that the whole Church will be enlightened with the doctrine of your books.”

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NARR: “Even the appearance of the Blessed Mother, to whom St. Albert had a great devotion, did not entirely remove the doubt about his calling. However, the Lord did not give up on his son. Soon after, St. Albert once again heard the Blessed Jordan preach. In this sermon, Blessed Jordan described how one is often times beset by doubt, which is really an attack from the evil one, to prevent us from attaining the true will of God. Upon hearing this, all doubt was removed, and St. Albert decided, in spite of family opposition and the sacrifices required, that he would become a priest in the order of the Friars Preacher. He was ordained in 1228, and immediately was sent to Cologne to teach, and after that to Paris.”

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NARR: “It was in Paris, then the seat of theological study, that St. Albert obtained his Doctorate and met a silent, thoughtful young man, whose genius was evident. This young man was St. Thomas Aquinas, and he was to become the student of St. Albert.”

ST. THOM: “Professor, might I have a word with you Father?

ST. AL: “Of course son. Will you please volunteer your name? I have seen you in the lectures, but I am unable to recall the name?”

ST. THOM: “It is ….Thom,….excuse me, Thomas.” CLEARS THROAT).

ST. AL: “Come my dear son, there is no need to be reticent or reserved in the presence of your professors. We are all students together, are we not?”

ST. THOM: “Yes Father, but you are no ordinary professor. I am greatly blessed to be counted among your students. You have made such astute observations of nature and in general science. I admire your courage to stand by your findings, especially that the earth is actually spherical and not flat.”

ST. AL: “Well, Thomas, you give me more credit than I deserve. In observing nature, I only take the time to see what the good Lord has done with this plants and animals. As to the theory of a spherical earth, this is what the ancients of Greece told us, correct?”

ST. THOM: “Yes, Father. This leads to precisely my question. You quote Aristotle often times. Is it wise to study a pagan philosopher?”

ST. AL: “So the student questions his master?”

ST. AL / ST. THOM: BOTH LAUGH

ST. AL: “It is wise to question teaching that appears as contrary to Church teaching. I was Wondering when a student would ask me about this? Well, to answer your question, of course there can be nothing to replace scared scripture and the teachings of the Fathers. However, we must make use of the truth, wherever it is found. I do not subscribe to all the teachings of Aristotle of course, but only to the Aristotelianism that is not contrary to the faith. Most translations of Aristotle are defective. I refer to only the truest teachings of Aristotle. Also, the interpretation of the non-Christian philosophers should only be done by experienced and patient masters.”

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NARR: “In 1254, St. Albert was elected Provincial of his order in Germany. This kept him busy with the duties of administration, especially with the challenge of a geographically large province. St. Albert was responsible for monasteries in areas such as Alsace, Belgium Germany and even parts of Hungry. Being the dutiful provincial, St. Albert would not be intimidated by the expanse of his province, as he personally visited all the monasteries under his care. This was a remarkable feat, especially when done on foot.”

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NARR: Although physically demanding, St. Albert gladly accepted the privations of tending toa large providence, and did so admirably. The contentment of a satisfying position would soon be interrupted when he was called to Rome to defend the mendicant orders against the charges of William Saint Armour .”

ST. AL: “The book of the misguided William Saint Armour, has been condemned by our pope Alexander IV himself. I repeat, this so called book titled; ‘De novissimis temporum periculis,’ has been condemned, I say condemned, and not banned, by the Holy Father. As such, we need to avoid it as if it were a poisonous snake. The condemnation should be sufficient. It is the obligation of the Church Fathers to denounce all error, and this is precisely what has occurred in regard to the work of William Saint Armour, as it is wrought with half truths, hear say, innuendo and mistakes.”

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NARR: “St. Albert was allowed to be relieved of his duties as provincial so he could devote time to study both science and Religion.”

ST. AL: “Well, Thomas, I feel that the old teacher and his talented student have been blessed by the Lord in our work. This new curriculum of study should greatly assist the Dominician Order. Don’t you agree?”

ST. THOM: “Yes, Father. But in all honesty, I don’t know how you find the time to study nature as you do as well as publish your findings. It must be true of the unofficial title you have been given by some of your contemporaries. Yes, ‘Albertus Magnus’ is truly fitting.”

ST. AL: “ My dear, Thomas, really. You know how I detest that sobriquet. Come, let us visit the Blessed Sacrament, and then we can pursue further study.”

NARR: “St. Albert would have been content to have lived the rest of his earthly existence in contemplation, prayer, study and teaching, but this was not to be the will of the Father. In 1260, Pope Alexander IV appointed him Bishop of Regensburg. St. Albert’s predecessor as Bishop of Regensburg, was the unworthy Count of Pietengau. There had been many abuses and neglects, and St. Albert would return this diocese to its former holy stature.”

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MAN: “Have you heard about the new Bishop? He seems more like a simple monk than a prince of the Church.”

WOMAN: “Yes, he’s quite unusual for a bishop. Instead of being driven in fine carriages bandwagons, he insists on walking like a common priest Can you imagine?”

MAN: “That’s why he wears those ‘clodhopper’ shoes. Because of all of his walking. That is a fine nickname for him. Bishop clodhopper.”

MAN/WOMAN: (BOTH LAUGH)

NARR: “Eventually St. Albert began to bring back piety to his diocese, and earn the respect of most. Even though he was a most dedicated and devoted Bishop, St. Albert found opposition and resentment among the clergy.

PRIEST 1: “The idea. Can you imagine? Demanding that properties be returned to the diocese? Having a bishop who acts in such a rustic fashion? “

PRIEST 2: “It is difficult enough that we must endure lectures about the basics of piety. To us he dares speak.”

PRIEST 1: “Perhaps this ‘Albertus Magnus’ should return to a professorship. At least he would not seem so odd, studying and writing about science and nature as he does.”

NARR: “Despite some resentment, through prayer and persistence, St. Albert prevailed in returning the diocese to its union with the Lord.”

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NARR: “In 1274, St. Albert was called to the council of Lyons by Pope Gregory X.”

PRIEST: “Well Father, we will be at the council after another days travel. This inn should offer fine accommodations.”

ST. AL: “We will accept whatever the good innkeeper can provide.”

MESSENGER: “Father Albert?”

ST. AL: “Yes, my son?”

MESSENGER: “I have a message for you. I am not to wait for a reply. Good evening.”

ST. AL: “Good evening and …..oh…oh, my….no, no…God have mercy on his soul.”

PRIEST: “Father…, Father…If you don’t mind I’ll read the message. O my…May God grant him rest. Thomas of Aquinas, your former pupil has died.”

ST.AL: “The best pupil I ever had. I actually learned from him. Well…, we must accept the Father’s will. I will offer mass at my first opportunity. I regret that I will be unable to participate at the funeral mass. You know Father…, I always wondered if that wonderful and pious young man would beat me into Heaven.

PRIEST: “It appears he has Father. Maybe the Lord wanted him in Heaven to pray for you at the upcoming council.”

ST. AL: “Well Father, I know that I will have another in Heaven who is helping me.”

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NARR: “St. Albert used his influence at the council to attempt reconciliation with the Orthodox Church. Unfortunately , the reunion between east and west was not to take place. This was a biter disappointment to St. Albert.”

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NARR: “The last twelve years of his life was spent doing what he loved, teaching in Cologne. He also continued his studies and observations in botany, biology and natural science. On November fifteenth, in the year 1280, after a life of servitude, contemplation, prayer and study, the man who was referred to as ‘Great” by his contemporaries, was called home.”

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