St Robert Bellarmine, 1542-1621. Doctor of Church State Relations, Feast Sept 17th.

Diplomats, ambassadors, heads of state, government officials and top church decision-makers and ministers can learn much from Robert. He had major responsibilities and used it properly for the development and growth of the church, states and countries. The more authority one exercises, the more divine guidance one needs to serve others in a Christian manner. Plead with St Bellarmine to gain wisdom and discernment leading others and supporting your country. You will definitely receive strength and insight to handle sensitive issues that could affect your church, state and country.

Patriotism is a virtue. It is not only a virtue that displays love for country but also supports the authority and interest of country. Many have died defending our independence, liberty and freedom. We can defend and honor our country and its citizens by upholding everything that makes us free. However, in God's work of salvation, which means freedom from sin, a Christian patriot is one who stands up for any cause which promotes justice, equality and human dignity. That is what St Robert Bellarmine advocated and defended. Saints tell us that there are other battles going on in life. We are Christian protectors and defenders fighting for spiritual values as well as in the armed forces defending our country against oppressors and war. Hopefully, as humankind grows in spiritual perspectives, our struggles are going to be more socially, educationally and mentally rather then physically with forces and arms for war. However, we must be prepared to go to war and fight to defend freedom and destroyers of humanity and offenders of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Teachers, and anyone who assist others in any social or instructional manner, Saint Robert is a model for you too. He started his career in this manner and he guided children through the church's catechism of his day. In fact he is a patron of catechetical studies along with St Peter Canisius, another Jesuit. Both doctors are etched in stone on the exterior east side of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Basilica in Washington DC. The only other Jesuit Doctor of the Church beside Rogert is listed below.

St. Peter Canisius 12/21

Those who help the poor can also learn from the kind hearted Robert and Peter who always had time for the unfortunate despite their busy schedules. Their first priority was always the people of God especially the poor, broken and unknown. Their high office did not prevent them from serving the "low" or poorest of the poor.

Robert was a diminutive Jesuit who was unafraid of anyone and demonstrated it by unintentionally incurring the wrath and indignation of the Pope. But he didn't stop there. Countries, England and France, were furious at him. How could such a small statured man stand so tall towards the highest authority in the church and other countries? Our doctor was a spiritual pioneer in breaking new ground in the areas of powers of the Pope and the state. No cleric ever attempted this to the degree that Robert did. He perceived its injustice and acted out his conviction. The Spirit of the Lord guided him in this vital reform for the church, state and country.

There have been thousands of saints and holy people who have introduced reforms and exhibited quality leadership for church, countries and states. St Ladislas, a Hungarian king, is but one among many kings whose sanctity is exemplary. It takes courage and wisdom to differentiate the powers of country and church and many have losed their lives defending their position. St Thomas More, living out his belief in the church and defending his conscience, is a classical example. He could have returned to his wife and children but chose principle over preference.

Absolute power in religion and nation tends to corrupt absolutely. History and the scriptures are pack with examples as Herod the "Great", King of Judea, killing the Holy Innocents immediately following the birth of Jesus to insure that his power remained intact. St Robert teaches us that the best way to retain one's power is to detach yourself from it. That requires virtue.

Catholics, Protestants, clergy and laity read his books with eagerness because of his wondrous virtues, common sense and genius contained in his writings. Robert had a penchant to systematize the church's doctrine against the attacks of the reformers. In this particular manner it can be said that the system was the solution. This happened during a most intense rival era in church history. The study of Church History and the Fathers of the Church were in a deplorable state of disarray before he assumed office. Thanks to Robert's clear writings in explaining the catholic faith, he is called the Prince of Apologists by a document from Vatican I. His tremendous love and defense of the catholic religion and extensive writings in making clear church's teaching enabled him to wield great power and he served on most of the Roman Congregations at the Vatican.

Desire, ambition and intelligence are three driving forces that many Jesuits are endowed with in various degrees. They found their mark abundantly in Bellarmine. God had a plan for him. He shook-up matters for the church, state and countries. He was from Tuscany in Italy and he directed his first energy to become a professor. He was the first Jesuit professor at Louvain in France.

Frequently, God's plans are not our own and Robert had to put away his books and studies. His love for learning became secondary when he was appointed archbishop. He began preaching, writing and teaching catechism to children, visiting the sick, and helping the poor. He was known to have ransomed a soldier who had deserted from the army and used the hangings (curtains) of his room to clothe poor people, remarking: "The walls won't catch cold."

St Bellarmine was a traditionalist and yet acted and lived untraditionally when it came to ministering to others and extending himself far beyond the norm. The love of God penetrated him profoundly. His heart was with the poor and broken, yet, he was unafraid to live with the powerful and had an apartment at the Vatican. However, living there did not prevent him from relaxing any of his former austerities. This was in addition to his poor health that plagued him all his life. It was perhaps his heaviest cross.

Our Jesuit scholar knew scriptures thoroughly. He believed that living out the "Good News" was more than knowing it. Robert knew that the source of divine revelation was a living Christ. The content of faith is one matter but the source is what defines the content. It was vital to our saint to get across the meaning of being a Christian. His aim was to be a good example and pass along the love of God. In this manner he would imitate Jesus and show his virtues. That for him was very important and necessary to be a Christian. He was humble and never allowed himself to become too attached to anything passionately. To love God ardently in all things, and remain detached, is an art which only the "Artisan of Souls," the Holy Spirit, can lead and direct.

For this doctor, detachment from others is best made by attachment to the people and things of God. He always had the service of the church foremost in mind. The more he stepped down the more God raised him up with honors and responsibilities. One becomes responsible not by give up things which the word detachment means but by taking on more things and becoming more responsible.

The Pope made him a cardinal and insisted on having him by his side as his personal theologian. He was head of the Vatican Library, a member of nearly every congregation and played an important role in the affairs of the Holy See.

Robert developed the theory of the indirect power of the pope in temporal affairs. This was a very big first step that had not happened in the history of the Popes. Popes wield temporal and spiritual powers. St Bellarmine wanted popes to focus primarily on the spiritual powers than the temporal affairs.

He played a significant role working with the laity. His catechisms, his writings, his example with children, young adults, and older Christians all reveal his Christ-like works and actions.

He all but eliminated the divine-rights-of-kings untenable principle that had been in existence many years. Disputations on the Controversy is his most famous book which highlights the power issue. His explanation on this issue was crystal-clear and became the benchmark in textbooks for centuries.

Robert was always obedient even when he didn't want to be. He admonished his friend Galileo, whom he admired, because of the Copernicus theory more perhaps out of obedience than his own convictions. He defended Galileo's right to publish his writings on the solar system. Robert placed virtue above everything and placed great emphases on collegiality in order to keep everyone a little more in check. He had seen firsthand the abuses and devastating results with civil and kingly authority. Robert allowed the Holy Spirit to take over his mind and heart by keeping at bay his own preferences and serving the poor with charity and concern.

The Saint wrote "that virtues like patience is not only one of the greatest virtues but is positively the most necessary for us. True patience has the property of increasing and preserving all other virtues. On account of the difficulties we meet with in the practice of virtue, none can flourish without patience, but when other virtues are accompanied by this one, all difficulties vanish, for patience renders crooked paths straight and rough paths smooth."

Our saint also served in the highest office of his religious Order, the Jesuits. He is the patron of catechists and students. He tackled any problem and was unafraid to speak on issues of justice and the rights of God's children. He brought up topics that most people wanted to ignore. His sermon booklet to college students entitled, Hell and Its Torments is a classic. He let it be known that certain subjects, although often ignored, were pertinent and important, such as the four last things-death, judgment, heaven and hell. His fire and brimstone talks were balanced with kindness and gentleness.

The church and tradition do not skimp or minimize the actuality of Hell. The saints and others have shared their own horror and visions of Hell that can devastate one's mental moorings. We have only to read of Sts Teresa and Faustina to vicariously experience hell and it is dreadful and unimaginable horrors. Sister Menendez and St Anthony Mary Claret described or wrote of hell from their interior experiences and wisdom for our edification and explanation. Hell fires are also a part of Purgatory on a non-lasting basis but the excruciation and horror can be the same and as painful. The great Apostle of Puragatory, St Catherine of Genoa, and St Nicholas of Tolentino, whose info is in the doctoral sources, will make you realize, to some degree, the reality of the intolerable sufferingy and dying in hell is not the torments of body and soul but the lost of God's, permanent or temporary presence.

We do not have the capacity to imagine Hell because it is too impossible to imagine. If Jesus Christ Himself had not mentioned it in the gospels, some might want not to accept it, albeit, scripture can not be denied. It is so lethal, destructive and despairing that we would find it unbearable to even surmise let alone accept. However, God did not create hell, God permitted it because of his divine justice and the more despicable reality of unpardonable sin when it exceeds God's judgment and his lovableness.

The first woman Doctor of the Church, Saint Teresa of Avila, penned hell perfectly when she described Hell as the absence of love. That may not sound terribly painful. However, after one experiences the thrill of loving and who it is that is Love, the pain becomes indescribable and unbearable not to be engaged in it. Love is stronger than death, pain, dying, or martyrdom. For lovers not to be engaged in it, is excruciating suffering and painstaking.

It is to those who love tremendously "in the spirit" who are able to grasp this tremendous mystery and actuality of Hell. It is horror galore and impossible to acknowledge with reason alone. Spiritual writers affirm that no one arrives in Hell surprised. Each chooses it deliberately and intentionally. The mercy of God is so infinite but those in Hell hate mercy and want no part of it. They have exhausted the infinite kindness of God. The question arises: how can one ever get to this state of rejection of God's mercy. No one will ever know except the damned. See the website

Our Lady of Sorrows

Hell really starts on earth through the practice of hating, killing and murdering and any of the capital sins. Robert's writings will explain those infernal vices clearly. Saints have been murderers but they were sorry and were transformed by God's grace and mercy. For example, Moses and David committed at least one killing. Certainly Saints Paul and Vladimir killed before their conversion. To be a murderer one does not have to actually do the killing but have complicity with it. In other words, a person does not have to actually commit murder to be guilty of these acts in the spiritual realm. Jesus told us the same with adultery.

Strange as it might sound, once a person kills someone, a person might actually find pleasure in the action. How is this possible? They fall from virtue and their mind and heart live in a lie and they deceive themselves. The Devil is "The Father of Lies". He is also a murderer from the beginning. The human mind can justify anything even though it is not a just act. Enough research will tend to support your theory.

Many may wish that hell didn't exit but we have Christ, the scriptures and evidence of very bad and evil people who do deplorable actions. Our faith and our conscience, if formed correctly, convince us of the truth of hell and its everlasting torments. Robert's writings assures us of this truth. He said: "Charity is that with which no one is lost, and without which no one is saved". What we can not understand, we can accept with appreciation and delight when we have virtue. We must keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ and remember that Jesus spoke about hell and our Creed states it clearly.

Sister Faustina's vision of Hell and the 7 major tortures are listed on the link below and elsewhere.

http://www.divinemercysunday.com/vision.htm

Jesus Christ the Redeemer was born for each of us and came to redeemed fallen creatures because wants our love and wants to know that he is most lovable. The God of sinners has a merciful love for all creatures he died for each of us that he is ever ready to forgive and embrace us. However, first we must believe in our Redeemer and accept him and his invitation.

We on our part has been given ever opportunity to trust and believe in God and Jesus his beloved Son. Those who reject God's mercy obviously reject God's love becaues both are one and the same. God doesn't force his love on us and we are free to choose.

He came to make us free and he will not violate our freedom.

Most of us are challenged by vices such as pride, envy, anger and sins most of our lives. Job says that our life is often a temptation. In the Our Father and other prayers, we always ask God to deliver us from temptation.

We have seen wars. Some say that war is a form of Hell. However, wars end. Hell is constantly beginning. Most of us have experienced death in some form such as depression, disappointment and oppression. These are all a part of the horror of Hell except that the real Hell continues. Our life's trials and test will one day come to an end but Hell is always beginning and never ends.

Scripture and St Robert informs and confirms us that Satan or Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness, is the Head of Hell. The Evil One is deathly afraid of virtue for virtue and vice are directly opposite and diametrically and intrinsically oppose like light and darkness or life and death. With God's grace and virtue, which God always supplies when we earnestly ask, we need not be afraid of Satan for we are then armed to defeat him. However, if we embrace vice, we will be invaded, trapped and seduced. Before we know it, we might be attracted by the power of darkness. The name Lucifer means light but Satan was blinded by his own power and pride and forever lost the clear light of love and rules with the darkness of hate, horror and terror. He became the "Prince of Darkness". He is the terror, the tempter and the torch of Hell. Christ came to defeat death, sin and Hell by giving us redemption, life and love when we believe and live virtuous. He also gave us Saint Robert, the "Prince of Apologists" to empower us to defend our faith.

The degrees of real hatred contain vast shades of spite and jealousy. It includes contemptuous thoughts of pride, envy, assaults of rape, rage and murderous acts. All disunity, separation, isolation and lack of concern for others are to be avoided unless we want to become a slave of Satan. Terrorists are certainly slaves of Satan because they have no regard for life. This is a classic example of the blind leading the blind.

Our doctor, Robert, sounded a bell, like a wake-up call, to awaken many leaving the church in his day. Like today, there are many scandals, and all are subject to temptation especially who stop prayer or do not continue to pray daily. That aspect is so very important.

All religions have good and God permits them to continue, otherwise they would cease to exit. Nothing on earth stays in existence unless it has potential for growth and development.

Much corruption abounded in Bellarmine's day both within and outside the church. However, our saint pulled the alarm to "shape up or ship out". His reforms and efforts gave the church a new identity and it gained greater respect. We might ask him for strength when we are afraid. Or, if we have to say things in the line of duty that might "rock the boat", Robert is a friend to call upon. He was a little man with a big heart and the courage of a lion. Courage, fortitude and spiritual strength can not be gained unless we are honest with ourselves. We also need to be open, pray daily and obey authority. When necessary, as our duties oblige us, we can perform public service to the church, state and country as Robert did.

His surrender to God and God's representatives, especially the Sovereign of the Vatican City State, was remarkable. His intrepid stance toward all in humble service reveals unusual bravery and heroism. St Robert Bellarmine was greatly influenced by the spirit of fortitude, tenacity and submissiveness to God's all-powerful will.

This humble Jesuit knew that charity is the hallmark of Christian living. It is activated through the guidance of the Spirit. When we totally cooperate, the Spirit has the power to move all God's children. When one surrenders and abandons one's will to God, the Holy Spirit takes over one's operation, attention and movement. God actually breathes, moves and speaks in perfect accord with those who live in union with God. Moreover, one can be acutely aware and conscious of this close union and intimacy in a marvelous manner. This is the summit of God's life, imitation and perfection on earth.

The unity of the catholic church has been highlighted many times by the church and saints. It says that God is one and Christ is one. The Church is one, one is the faith and one is the people cemented together into a strong unity of a spiritual and physical body. Robert attempted to help nations and church to be one in justice for a light to the people.

The Paraclete is the consoling and advocating Spirit that is God's personal promise for each of us. This powerful and intricate Spirit identifies with those who love. God's almighty Spirit give us total assurances of the holy One's presence when we fully cooperate with God's grace. Robert, a lover of his church, sate and country relations, revealed the true power of God. He also showed the abuse of this power in the wrong hands. He demonstrated his spiritual power by living and dying "poor in spirit." He gave all of his money to the poor and died broke.

The message that the Doctor of Church, State and Country Relations gave us is in his life. In his living and dying, Robert stayed attached to God and detached from things and persons that were not godly. His mentor, St Ignatius of Loyola, taught him well. In fact, he informs everyone that God created a world of grace. Only faith sees and understands it. God will speak to us in a most direct and personal manner if we turn to God in prayer and sincerity. One way to do this is through The Spiritual Exercises, a powerful and inspirational book, method and path of meditation and prayer.

One prayer attributed to Ignatius'Body of Christ is overwhelming. Exam it and let your senses be moved and your heart cry out:

http://www.animachristi.com/ (Note the physical body of Christ in the picture and the many articles in the link)

St Robert allowed God's Spirit to reminds us that the four last things: death, judgement Heaven and Hell is what living and dying is all about. Judgement is ultimately the love that we show or the love that we keep. If we can identify with a loving Judge our eternity will be one of eternal bliss. If we identify with a hateful Judge we will be judge according to the hate we have afflicted on ourself or others. His message is the same year after year. Robert, the Scripture scholar shouts from heaven "I have loved you with an everlasting love". Imitate him.

The church-state issue today, its separations, divisions and its united aspects, will always be debatable. However, the catholic church's statements by recent Popes and Vatican II, are crystal clear. There need not be a wall of separation between church and state. Debate is healthy in any democracy and it can strengthen the bond between church and state regardless of the creed. It need not cause problems or harm. On the contrary it is an opportunity to meet the challenges for unity, goodwill and strong alliance.

We need tolerance and goodwill toward all denominations and beliefs. This will reduce or eliminate any wall of separation and hostility. The Constitution is clear and its intent is that the writers of the Constitution wanted no single denomination in the new American republic. They wanted anyone to have the right to free exercise of religion. That was the goal.

What Robert Bellarmine started was a spiritual revolution to keep the church and the state from dominating individuals in spiritual and temporal affairs. All of us should not try to separate spiritual values from politcal values for they are interwoven. We need to respect the rights and the beliefs of all and the rights of respecting the Constitution and our religious freedom in a spirit of unity, accord and cooperation for the common good.

Christians and all people have a duty, as Robert had, to bring religious issues to bear in the public life and in politics for everyone's good and for their freedom. Robert had to face immense challenges from the Pope and Presidents and he did in an honest and sincere manner. That took courage, virtue and solid trust in God.

None of us will be tested as Robert. But, all of us need to look at situations according to how the Holy Spirit leads and guide us in virtue, patience and forebearance for all concerned. Only a deep prayer life, obedience, hard work and absolute trust in God will give us victory over many hostile forces.

All the doctors including, St Robert, had an amazing devotion to the Blessed Mother. I draw upon the 33 Doctors of the Church by Fr. Christopher Rengers. O.F.M. Cap. found in the sources to highlight a few examples. He writes on what Robert said of Mary: "The Head of the Catholic Church is Christ, and Mary is the neck which joins the Head to its Body...God has promised that all the gifts, all the graces, and all the heavenly blessings which proceed from Christ as the Head, should pass through Mary to the Body of the Church."

Robert was very strong in his statements on the place of Mary in distributing graces.

"The Blessed Virgin", St Robert says, "suffered extremely when she beheld her Son hanging on the gibbet of the Cross; but she loved the honor and glory of God more than the human flesh of her Son...Thus did she blend her own affections with those of Christ, who also preferred his Father's glory and our salvation to the temporal safety and security of His human body."

Robert's sermons on the various feasts of the Blessed Virgin thoroughly cover the field of Mariology according to Father Christopher. Father goes on to say that in Robert's own life, the greatest evidence of his love for Mary can be found. Every day after finishing the Divine Office, he recited the Office of the Blessed Virgin. Every day he used to recite a Rosary after dinner, and again in the evening after Compline. He usually said the Rosary while walking back and forth. This was his daily exercise and recreation. Every Saturday he fasted in honor of the Blessed Virgin.

Because of the power, prestige and privileges afforded the Mother of God, God refuses her nothing, even today. She obtains everything she asks. By recoursing to her, Our Sister, denies us nothing to achieve God's holy will and makes us know her motherly concern and love when we implore her assistance with sincerity.

Sharing Robert's feast day are many other saints including St Hildegard who was an extraordinary and talented woman with remarkable gifts for the Church and humankind. Go to Butler in the sources.
      http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainth05.htm

Links:
      http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/02411D.HTM
      http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/str03com.htm
      http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintr03.htm

Subject: ECCLESIOLOGY: Communion of Saints: St. Robert Bellarmine on the Mystical Body of Christ by John A. Hardon, S.J.
http://www.catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Faith/2000-12/hardon.html


Literature, Catholic Magazines and Diocesan Newspapers can be found on the link at the Catholic Information Center on the Internet. Go to the above link and go to the very end.
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Official Jesuits website:
      http://www.jesuit.org/
      http://www.jesuitvolunteers.org/

Walter Ciszek, a Jesuit, responded to the Pope's call following their saints. A rich heritage:
      http://www.cecs.uofs.edu/wcpl2.html

Another Jesuit experience that is relaxing and meditative:
      http://www.jesuit.ie/prayer/index.htm

Canadian Jesuits and other women saints that Canada is proud of:
      http://ca-catholics.net/canada/saints.htm

List of Jesuits saints:
       http://www.udmercy.edu/htmls/Jesuits/saints/saints.htm

The 15 Marks of the Catholic Church developed by St. Robert Bellarmine, 1542-1621, Doctor of the Church and Cardinal:

<1>The Church's Name, Catholic, universal, and world wide, and not confined to any particular nation or people. <2> Antiquity, in tracing her ancestry directly to Jesus Christ. <3> Constant Duration, in lasting substantially unchanged for so many centuries. <4>Extensiveness, in the number of her loyal members.<5> Episcopal Succession, of her Bishops from the first Apostles at the Last Supper to the present hierarchy. <6>Doctrinal Agreement, of her doctrine with the teaching of the ancient Church. <7>Union, of her members among themselves, and with their visible head, the Roman Pontiff. <8>Holiness, of doctrine in reflecting the sanctity of GOD. <9>Efficacy, of doctrine in its power to sanctify believers, and inspire them to great moral achievement. <10>Holiness of Life, of the Church's representative writers and defenders. <11>The glory of Miracles, worked in the Church and under the Church's auspices. <12> The gift of Prophesy found among the Church's saints and spokesmen. <13>The Opposition that the Church arouses among those who attack her on the very grounds that Christ was opposed by His enemies. The Unhappy End, of those who fight against her. <15>The Temporal Peace and Earthly Happiness of those who live by the Church's teaching and defend her interests.

A comprehensive Apologetics site:
      http://www.cwo.com/~pentrack/catholic/apolo.html

A Catholic page for Protestants and Eastern Orthodox:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Atrium/8410/

Welcome to Catholic Apologetics...:

http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/bc22/

Catholic Apologetics Network:

http://www.canapologetics.net/

The ABC of Faith:

http://www.abcsoffaith.com/flash/index1.html

Theotokos Catholic Books Home Page:

http://www.theotokos.org.uk/

http://www.theotokos.org.uk/pages/apologet/apologet.html

The Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross by St Robert.

http://www.cfpeople.org/Books/7Words/cfptoc.htm

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