SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

DOUBLE / WHITE

Albert the Great, Universal Doctor and Patron of the Sciences, was born in the castle of Lauingen on the Danube early in the 13th century. Under the inspiration of Bl. Jordan of Saxony (St. Dominic's successor), the young count entered the Order of Preachers from the University of Padua, despite family opposition. Following ordination he taught in Dominican houses of study at Hildesheim, Freiburg in Breisgau, Ratisbon, and Cologne, achieving greatest distinction at the Priory of St. Jacques affiliated to the University of Paris. He was a pioneer in the experimental scientific method as well as in Aristotelian philosophy, and his solid achievements in science are acknowledged today. He was probably the most prolific writer on scientific and spiritual subjects in the medieval period. He was also bishop of Ratisbon, and preacher of the last Crusade in Germany. He died in Cologne in 1280, some time after an arduous walk to Paris and back to defend the memory of his greatest disciple, Thomas Aquinas.

Mass of a DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, except

COLLECT 
O God, you made the blessed doctor and bishop Albert great by teaching him to place divine faith above his own human learning. Grant that we may follow his doctrine so that we may enjoy perfect wisdom in heaven. Through Our Lord . . . 

SECRET 
Look favorably upon our sacrificial offerings, O Lord, so that by the celebration of these mysteries in memory of the passion of Your Son, our Lord, we may devotedly experience their effects through the prayers and example of blessed Albert. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION 
May the Holy Mysteries that we have received defend us against the attacks of our enemies, O Lord, and grant that we may live in continual peace through the intercession of Your blessed confessor bishop Albert. Through Our Lord . . .