Born in Germany late in the 12 century, Albert was the son of a powerful and wealthy military leader, who was also a Count. 

He went to the University of Padua, where he was a brilliant student in virtually all areas, including philosophy, becoming an expert in the philosophies of Aristotle. It was during this period, that he had an encounter with, The Blessed Mother. 

While hunting in the woods, Albert came upon a beautiful woman dressed in pure white who identified herself as the Mother of Jesus, and she spoke to him about The Transfiguration. She also encouraged Albert to become a priest. 

In 1223, Albert joined The Dominicans and began a lifelong journey of writing and teaching. His goal was to consolidate all the knowledge of his day and make it accessible in one place, a sort of 13th-century Google. 

Albert spent 20 years putting together a collection of books and teachings on Natural Science, logic, rhetoric, mathematics, astronomy, and more. 

Albert’s teachings on Aristotle were fundamental to The Church’s position on Philosophy. He was also the most influential teacher in the education of St. Thomas Aquinas. 

He was, as well, the Bishop of Regensburg, a Dominican Provincial, and a preacher to the Crusade in Germany. Of Albert’s writings, the most beautiful may well be this short prayer to The Blessed Mother called: “Mother of Grace”, 

Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God, for note, Mary, you have found Grace, not taken it, as Lucifer did. You have found Grace, and not lost it as Adam did. You have found favor with God because you desired and sought it. You have found uncreated Grace, that is, God, Himself became your son, and with the Grace you have found, obtained every uncreated good.” 

He died on this day in 1280.

St. Albert The Great, please pray for us.