St Robert Bellarmine

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE 

(1542-1621) 

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Today, Sept. 17, the Catholic Church celebrates the Italian cardinal and theologian St. Robert Bellarmine. One of the great saints of the Jesuit order, St. Robert has been declared a Doctor of the Church and the patron of catechists.  Born in October 4, 1542 in the Tuscan town of Montepulciano, and received his education from the Jesuit order.  St Robert was quite educated in philosophy and theology, and was a teacher before he became a priest.  

One of his popular writing is called Disputations, which was in the area of Catholic apologetics, and became useful during the Protestant reformation period.  

He was also an advisor to the Pope Clement 8.  He became cardinal in 1599.  He almost became Pope, but the thought of becoming a pope disturbed him.  But we do have our first Jesuit Pope Francis. 

He was also a good friend with Galileo, and was part of the discussion about the earths revolution around the sun.  He died 1621, and was declared a saint and doctor of the Church because of his devotion and service to the Church, and living a holy, simple and austere life. 

Confeitor

Heavenly Father, As earthen vessels carrying heavenly treasures, we approach you with humility, and seek forgiveness and pardon.  

Heavenly Father,

Your holy words today from St. Paul's letter is so beautifully explained.  And these words are often used for weddings and marriage rituals.  Because it calls to mind the great gift of love, and you are the source of that gift.  

But how often we fall short in this gift.  Because our actions are motivated by our own profit and gain.  For instance, If someone has a weakness, we may take advantage of it.  If we sense someone's vulnerability, we may exploit it.  Sometimes we like to push people's buttons just because we can and to have them become aggravated and upset.  But all of these are selfish behaviors that are in opposition of the virtue of love.  It is during these times that we have fallen from grace. 

And when we look at the holy cross, we are reminded of the gift of love, revealed in your beloved Son.  

Your Apostle Paul describes Christian love more specifically.  Patience, kindness, not jealousy, not happy over others misfortune, or wrongdoing, and bearing one another with hope.  May we take these words to heart and live it out faithfully, so that we are treating one another as sisters and brothers in Christ.

So that by living a life of integrity, honesty and charity, we may reflect your love.  Because we are Christ's body and blood, and we become what we have received.