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Saint12th–13th century · Feast November 15

St Albert the Great

Also known as Albertus Magnus, Albert of Cologne, Universal Doctor

Bishop
Doctor of the Church
Dominican friar
Universal Doctor

A Dominican scholar of extraordinary breadth who studied theology, philosophy and the natural world.

Pray with St Albert the Great

A short prayer

God of grace, through the intercession of St Albert the Great, guide us in faith, courage and love. Amen.

The story of their life

A Dominican scholar of extraordinary breadth who studied theology, philosophy and the natural world. Medieval universities were absorbing newly available scientific and philosophical texts.

Historical context

Medieval universities were absorbing newly available scientific and philosophical texts.

Defining moments

  • Entering the Dominicans
  • Teaching across Europe
  • Studying nature
  • Mentoring Thomas Aquinas
  • Serving as bishop

Faith and spirituality

Wonder before creation, intellectual breadth and patient teaching.

Why this saint matters today

High-confidence occupational match for scientists, STEM educators and researchers.

Patronage and intercession

People turn to St Albert the Great in matters of:

Scientists
Natural scientists
Philosophers
Students

Sources and further reading

  • https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
  • https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/

Source-quality status: unverified prototype

Related saints

All saints
St Thomas Aquinas wearing the black and white Dominican habit, holding a book and quill with a golden sunburst on his chest, beside a crucifix and symbols of the Eucharist.

St Thomas Aquinas

Saint13th century · Feast January 28

A Dominican friar whose prayerful search for truth united faith and reason, St Thomas Aquinas became one of the Church’s greatest theologians and showed that rigorous study can become an act of love for God and others.

Priest
Order of Preachers
Italy