6. Saint Albertus Magnus
Saint Albertus Magnus was born around 1200, in the Bavarian town of Lauingen. He was a monk, philosopher, scientist, bishop; and is also known as one of the 33 "doctors" of the Catholic church. Albertus wrote in-depth works on various topics such as: logic, theology, botany, geography, astronomy, astrology, mineralogy, chemistry, metaphysics, meteorology , zoology, physiology, phrenology and more. He created maps and diagrams, experimented with plants, studied chemical reactions, designed navigational instruments, and made detailed studies of birds and animals. Therefore, Saint Albertus Magnus is considered one of the greatest philosophers and thinkers of the Middle Ages.
In 1223, he joined the Dominican missionary order and was sent to the monastery in Cologne - which was his home during a long career of scholarship, writing, travel, and teaching. While still a student at the University of Paris, then a professor, Albertus discovered a "new way of learning" based on Greek and Arabic philosophy and science, arousing unprecedented controversy in the Middle Ages. German learning center. He undertook a number of writing projects that showed the relationship of these ancient works to Christian teaching.
Albertus served four years as provincial of the German-speaking Dominicans, including visits to more than 56 monasteries; including a mission as far away as Riga (now the capital of Latvia). He was always on foot, and often stopped to study natural phenomena, spending many hours in the libraries of the places he visited, copying any books that were new to him. As Albertus' fame grew, he was called upon to mediate theological disputes, create new curricula, conduct conferences, and champion scientific learning. His skills as an arbitrator and mediator helped the pope undertake a number of ecclesiastical and diplomatic duties. Albertus was appointed bishop of Regensburg in 1260 to a diocese in spiritual and financial crisis. After three years of reform and encouragement, he resigned to return to teaching.
Besides commenting on the scientific and philosophical works of classical thinkers, Albertus also wrote many commentaries on the Bible and other theological works. His understanding of diverse philosophical texts enabled him to construct his Summa Theologiae. It is this premise that faith and reason are compatible sources of knowledge that inspired the major work of Albertus's most famous student and Dominican brother - Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Albertus Magnus died on November 15, 1280, and was buried in Cologne. In 1931, he was canonized as a Saint and Doctor of the Church. Next, in 1941, he became the Patron Saint of the natural sciences. Albertus's greatness lay not only in his fidelity to the Christian vision, but also in his excellence in scholarly work as well as in his intellectual breadth.
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