St. Albert, 1200-1280. Doctor of Science, Feast Nov. 15th.

Albert is a great model for all Christians, especially scientists. Many scientists like Albert have been blessed with independence of mind and great mental prowess. In this category, many rely more on reason and memory than faith. One recent survey from a national newspaper showed that there is least difference between the faith of eighty years ago (1917) and today (1998) among Physicists, Biologists and Mathematicians. Those who believe in God were around 40 percent and those who did not believe were 45 percent. Doubt and agnosticism resulted in about 15 percent.

A notable difference and exception to the above category is Freeman Dyson, a world-renowned physicist and author who for more than 50 years has worked to make science a tool for social justice. He was recently awarded the 2000 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. He contends that science and religion should be working together to overcome the injustices of the world. It is people like Dyson that St Albert the Great could identify with and honor were he alive today.

St Albert's life and message can, nevertheless, still teach and enlighten us, especially the scientists, about how to live. His message is: do not rely or trust in your memory and reason more than God. We should practice our belief in God daily. We should also exercise our spiritual gifts in our chosen profession as much as our natural gifts and resources. Albert is a model for us to trust, rely, and depend on God through our faith and profession. It is a noble call and challenge.

One day our mind will fail us. Where will we be then? God is urging us now with a willing heart and a spirit of generosity to exercise all our gifts daily. Intelligence and faith should work together to develop our belief in God and goodness toward ourselves and others. The development of love is vital for spiritual growth. Our memory and reasoning powers do not necessarily afford us union with God. Faith, however, does afford union when we use it wisely with our reason. We share and receive God's love through our heart and mind.

This scientist was a tremendous professional and religious of his day. He thought and mined for truth wherever it could be found or gained. He sincerely wanted to be wise and learned. It was that salient fact that made all the difference in the world to him and to Albert's church. For that precise reason the church honors him. We owe him our immense gratitude for his amazing contributions. More important, we have a debt to him for his holiness and godly example.

St Albert constantly reminds all people of the importance of faith and reason and that there is no needed separation between these two. Both reinforce and sustain each other superbly. In fact, one is incomplete without the other and both must work together for either one to function in the best manner.

The Pope has issued a new encyclical or papal letter on this subject in the fall of 1998. We need to be alert to the advantages and disadvantages of new technology. Ethical and spiritual discernment is always needed for perfection and survival. Unchecked scientific ideas and new scientific developments need solid moral underpinnings to safeguard humanity's growth and soundness. Mere utilitarian ends with new technology can be dangerous. The church's role is always to morally guide, enlighten and safeguard all creatures from ideas and usage lacking truth and goodwill. She is the spiritual mother of humankind. God has always been with the church, albeit, the church has not always been with God when errors or sins occur. Sincere catholics never doubt Papal Infallibility when the Pope speaks from the 'chair'.

Our Dominican, Albert, was a catholic scientist first. He found truth everywhere. For him it was everywhere to be found. This wise, holy priest understood the limits of the mind. When he was young, he did not rely or depend exclusively on his thinking abilities for his guidance and behavior in life. Toward his last few years, when his mental abilities were limited, he found consolation in his faith. His early formation had encouraged him to live in that manner. For Albert, truth was too big to define or describe. He would allow truth to lead him and not the other way around. Reasonably, Albert is called the 'Universal Doctor.' Everyone who uses their mind and reasoning power in their profession would be wise to learn from St Albert before it is too late.

St Albert is also the "Patron of Catholic Philosophers and Philosophy." He was a pioneer in taking a pagan or non-Christian ideas and converting it to Catholicism. The church did not warm to his attempt to do this. Albert sought truths assiduously and he was confident he would find it in the least expected place.

Our saint was an outstanding, catholic scientist and "Doctor of the Church." He was a scientific genius with encyclopedic knowledge. However, he used his knowledge in service to the church. He is the "Patron of scientists." All scientists, especially Christian scientists, will benefit tremendously through his intercession.

He used his reason and thinking diligently. He was a brilliant scholar, student and seeker for truth. His writings fill some thirty-eight volumes. His explanations on vast subjects took twenty years to complete. Albert possessed boundless writing energies and wrote exclusively on natural science, logic, rhetoric, mathematics, astronomy, ethics, economics, politics, metaphysics, physics, mineralogy, chemistry, biology, botany and human/animal physiology.

Renger's book on the doctors, listed in the sources, tell us that "Albert knew and wrote about 114 species of birds, 113 quadrupeds, 139 aquatic animals, 61 serpents and 49 worms. He was the first to mention the weasel and the artic bear, the first to speak intelligently about the reproductive functions of birds." Despite his natural talents and intelligence, Albert used it for others and not for himself. He never relied on his knowledge more than his faith and belief in God.

Additionally, he strongly defended the mendicant order and preached the Crusade in Germany and Bohemia. He served in the highest office of his religious order, the Dominicans, as provincial and bishop. Before his entrance into religion, his parents fiercely opposed his joining. His persistence won their favor but it was not easy. This is another lesson for parents and especially when God calls their own children to serve the church.

His principal fame as a doctor resides in realizing the autonomy of philosophy. He used the philosophy of Aristotle to work for the science of theology. He rewrote the works of the philosopher to make them acceptable to Christians. St Albert began to inaugurate the scholastic system perfected by St Thomas Aquinas. Albert was born twenty-five years before Thomas. However, just as Thomas was a student of Albert, after his death Albert became a student of Thomas. He helped set up many of Thomas' ideas. Albert outlived him a few years.

Further evidence of Albert's extraordinary holiness is that three years after his death, his body was in a state of perfect preservation and his body exhaled delightful fragrance. Many of the sick who visited Albert's tomb were healed. These miracles were recorded. Others received visions that were recorded due to Albert's intercession. He was not the only doctor gifted with the state of incorruptibility. For more information on this inscrutable subject that is documented with concrete evidences, see the sources. Its author, Joan Carroll Cruz, has written a most definitive, best-seller book on this subject of death and holiness, based on historical accuracy, live eyewitnesses and thorough explanation. She has written on death and transformed it into life. Her book will stun and surprise you. Read and explore The Incorruptibles . She has written about an eerie subject and turned it into elation. All her writings on spirituality are profound and concretely mystical.

God uses each of us in mysterious ways. He does not need our intelligence or works. The Almighty wants our trust in all matters, especially in difficult circumstances. That is the lesson Albert inspires us to receive. We should be willing to accept everything without grumbling or complaint, as we grow weak and old. Soon we will give back to God everything we received. God loves a cheerful giver and would urge us to be generous and give back freely and lovingly. That is where the real test and merit of life are seen and weighed by God. We must not become too attached to anything, not even our minds, memory and feelings. Our health will definitely fail us later.

Many disable individuals are capable of using their minds but some are not. Our minds, and the ability to think, are gifts that should remind us to be most thankful. Thanksgiving Day, which is very near to Albert's feast day, is a fitting time to express our many thanks to almighty God especially for those who have religious faith which is, in itself, another of God's precious gifts that none us has a right to or deserve. Human beings alone have the ability to reason and it is a precious gift that millions do not have due to birth, disability or accident. Our intelligence distinguishes humans from all other animals and species and makes us superior and a master over them to a large degree. We know that we know and they may only know.

Because our scientist Albert lost his mental powers the last two years of his life, he might serve as an excellent example for mentally disable people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. This particular disability is getting new attention today as never before. A former president of the United States was seriously affected. Many less prominent people had been debilitated by this dreaded affliction. No one is exempt-young or old. Up to four million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's and nearly three million have mild cognitive impairment or MCI which, in most cases, is thought to progress to Alzheimer's disease. This will be a time of incapacitation. God permits the last traces of one's nature stripped, purified and made holy. It will be most painful and scary.

During this painful trial period for Albert, he remained in deep peace the last few years of his life. He had already learned to surrender his life to God, to live united with God and love God with his whole heart and mind. He did not have to remember God. He did not have to think or know about God. All that knowledge was unimportant to Albert then. He sensed that the un-name-able is the most beautiful of God's name. Albert did not have to say the name of God. He belonged exclusively to God. He died in peace. He died united to God. God took him home where Albert's mind and heart already dwelt.

Albert did not live in a world of high tech as we do today. Many scientific events happen daily. New scientific discoveries occur constantly. We depend and rely on our current technology to sustain us daily. Imagine how this world would function without the telephone, fax machine, computer, pager and the Internet? Where would we be without telecommunication satellites supplying the signals for our equipment? God bestows it on all creatures who want to share, unite and live together in harmony. God gives it for the purpose of unity. However, it is a gift for those who acknowledge God as the Father of us all and are generous.

For Albert, although he used his profession to advance science, he did not neglect using his mind and heart with his faith for a higher usage. He honored God by returning to the Creator the total use of his abilities. He trusted and relied in that source above all others-more than his mind, memory and intellect. St Albert illustrates for us that calling from God, which the Creator of the Universe wants to bestow on us and far more importantly than any other does. We must not forget the lesson and his glowing example. The church has designated him as a most powerful intercessor. We should remember to supplicate him to realize our priorities in today's scientific world.

This famous scientific doctor referred to the Mother of God as a most powerful defender of our faith. She defends us, our faith and the ability to cling to her for spiritual victory. She is God's promise for us from the very beginning. God protected her for us so that the promise would be realized. She is our Protectress. That is all the more reasons why all creatures would be wise as Albert the Great to petition her frequently. We too can be called 'great' in our own manner when we petition God in our need. Whether we care to admit it, we are creatures who have pain, suffering and despite that, much to be thankful for. We are banished children of Eve. Our new Eve, Mary, is our sure hope of faithfulness to her Son and our church.

St Albert assures us that Mary helps those who have recourse to her. She has a special way with God. Jesus' first miracle in his public life was because of Mary's intention although she did not ask her Son for a miracle at Cana. The gospel only stated that she said they had no wine. Jesus knew what she implied. That was enough for him even though he said: " What is that to me? My time has not yet come." But the miracle did come immediately after her words to him.

Miracles are not magical. There is a sequence and often a time delay. They are subtle, sure and almost imperceptible except to the enlightened and believing mind. Holy people perceive that miracles abound profusely. They are the order of the day. Everything is a miracle because they are aware of God's hand and touch in the seen and unseen.

At Cana, Jesus worked his first public miracle through the obedience of others and the request of his mother. The gospel tells us that after this miracle the disciples began to believe in him. This miracle did not appear that it was a life or death situation. It was only an embarrassing moment for the bride and groom. However, Mary wanted to keep the wedding party going. If God can work a miracle to save an embarrassing moment how much more can he perform a miracle at Mary's request when the matter pertains to our soul and depends on our salvation? The Son may more readily grant us favors when we petition him through Mary. What he did at Cana when the matter was not a necessity, he may more readily do for us, through Mary, for the salvation of others.

Albert insisted that it is easy to find Mary and for that reason we can always be discovering her. But, we must pray to her constantly. Albert quotes the Book of Wisdom in reference to Mary: She is easy to find that seek her. Although science has given us many good gifts, the science of prayer and love is the best and highest gift we can seek. It is so easy and at our very fingertips. It is called the science of love.

Science is a tiny aspect of wisdom. The Book of Wisdom informs us that all gold is as a pinch of sand compared to wisdom. Wisdom is a part of God's Spirit. To name but a few of her rich attributes: Wisdom is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, active, irresistible, loving and pure. Intelligence heads the list. We need science and philosophy to become knowledgeable and whole.

In his book, Belief and Faith, Josef Piper quotes Aristotle, a non-believer: "He who wishes to learn must believe." His book is a philosophical tract that defines belief, faith and certainty. He concludes by stating that the certainty of belief transcends the certainty of knowledge and insight by an infinite amount. In short, belief is more certain than any imaginable human insight because belief rest on the divine. However, before you can believe, you must see and know first.

This is the message of St Albert and thousands of other Christian scientists who served God through their scientific background. One of my favorite writers, a priest and a scientist, is Teilhard de Chardin, SJ. He explained and elaborated on God in a marvelous manner through scientific expression. This, however, is nearly always impossible because God can't be explained. His books include the Phenomenon of Man and The Divine Milieu. For some insights in summary from The Divine Milieu and the mystery of illness, suffering and death, exam Desert Call, Spring 2002 in the below link:

http://www.spirituallifeinstitute.org>

The following is taken from the sixteenth edition of John Bartlett's Familiar Quotations on the above two books. "If there were no internal propensity to unite, even at a prodigiously rudimentary level-indeed in the molecule itself-it would be physically impossible for love to appear higher up. From an evolutionary point of view, man has stopped moving, if he ever did move."

The phenomenon of all humanity is that God did all the work through an evolutionary process. After creation, humankind and all created substances, in all of its infinite forms, has done nothing. From a physical, scientific or rational perspective all has stopped, if life ever began at all under its own power. The key words in the above quote are unite and love. Since humankind has united and love is evident in the growth of life, it is wise to look at the divine milieu for anything to make sense or everything to make some sense.

"We have only to believe. And the more threatening and irreducible reality appears, the more firmly and desperately must we believe. Then, little by little, we shall see the universal horror unbend, and then smile upon us, and then take us in its more than human arms."

Additional Teilhard perspectives: http://www.mnhn.fr/teilhard/indexE.html

Teilhard, Albert the Great and the eminently scientific mind of Jesus reveal warmth, friendship and intimacy. These new realities-and not only emotions- shatter the cold, horror, isolated and factual norms of reason. The evolutionary process is scientific, human and divine. Love, growth and unity are life's revolutionary process. Jesus' commandments of love are exactly that: commands. They are expected from us because we can achieve them and hope to attain them if we believe wholeheartedly. They are human and divine commands. We must hope and expect to fulfill God's commandments in the Old Testament and Jesus' new law of love, which he revealed in the New Testament. Their attainments are more than good feelings for others. They are goodwill toward all. Life and love benefit us, individually, and others. It starts from within us. That is where God dwells. We can only share what we have.

Ultimately, to believe means to participate in the knowledge of a Knower. We believe because we love. This is a radical and profound statement. Jesus mentioned in his parables that of King Solomon as it relates to wisdom and love. In fact, the book of Wisdom in the bible is attributed to King Solomon. In the gospel Jesus said that not even Solomon in all of his glory (wisdom) compares to the lilies of the field (their delicate beautiful, odor and full resplendence.) God's creation is more radiant than any man-made things. It includes the invisible and visible. Furthermore, faith and belief, which are often secret, hidden and invisible realities, are primarily special types of knowledge and lead to supernatural love.

Authentic Love is really only One. We call it supernatural and natural to differentiate genuine love from acts that are not God-like. Wisdom is most God-like and the science of all sciences. It is exciting, mind riveting and eternal. It cries out aloud in our streets of the world and is embedded in the fear of God and respect for all life. Those who search for wisdom with a pure heart will find God and those who find God will find love and life forever. This is the science of the doctors, the saints and the friends of God. St Albert, the ardent, Doctor of Scientists, desired wisdom more than light. With that wisdom came the inexhaustibility of God's friendship and knowledge as he had never imagined, known or realized.

This is what it says in the Canticle, "Shortly after I had passed on from them, I found him whom my soul loves" (Cant 3:4). "We ought not to be united with the angels as if they were our object, but we should be united with them through the lights which come down to us through them, by which we are raised up to the contemplation of God. We ought to cleave to the divine lights, that is, the illuminations sent us by God, but not as if they were our object; we should regard them as the medium in which our object is seen and as strengthening our intellect, but our desire does not stop at them, as if they were our highest good"-St Thomas Aquinas

In God's gift to us in prayer we transcend even the angels in contemplating because that gift and our desire is above everything. Both from a scientific point of view (the logic that Albert advocated) and from a supernatural view (beyond logic) which the Angelic Doctor, Thomas recommends, we will discover and possess God when we allow God to use our mind and heart.

We too, have our part to implore God to direct the usage of our mind and heart. In short, we first are capable to believe because we love. It is a gift. Love is the consummate thinking Logic and our highest good. Praying is sincerely desiring God. It is always unitive and the habit of praying ascends to more perfect unity each and every time we are engaged in it. It doesn't matter how we feel or think when we pray. We do not even have to think or feel. Prayer is giving from the heart. It isn't always time set apart for God. It is one's life, one's work, one's breathing. The time set apart for prayer only intensifies, rejuvenates and immerses us more in the divine presence as we are employed in mundane occupations or in silence.

When children, women and men use their heart, mind and soul as Albert, Thomas and the thousands of noble and brave scientists as Teilhard de Chardin encouraged us to do, they pray profoundly. St Albert, the scientific doctor, implores us from heaven to cherish, long for, and aspire daily to reach Christian perfection using our heart and head. This usage, and unity of mind, and spirit, unites us with that more perfect unity that we call supreme: Love!

The below link gives us a picture of Albert and a brief summary of interesting facts. More importantly, there are a host of fascinating interlinks within this link -
      http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainta11.htm

http://www.op.org/domcentral/trad/alblinks.htm
http://www.spiritualitytoday.org/spir2day/ag00.html

For an excellent Dominican resource website -
      http://www.op.org/defaulty.htm

Additional Dominican links:
      http://www.op.org/domcentral/websites.html
      http://www.sinsinawa.org/
      http://www.op.org/DomCentral/op-home2.htm
      http://www.spiritualitytoday.org/
      http://www.op.org/farrell/companion/default.htm
      http://www.monksofadoration.org/albert.html
      

http://www.spiritualitytoday.org/spir2day/ag11.html
      http://www.spiritualitytoday.org/spir2day/ag06.html

Extensive Bibliography on St Albert:St Albert the Great information and Bibliography

This beautiful and powerful information about the Holy Eucharist is taken from http://www.catholic-form.com which is listed as the first link - Saint Albert the Great.