Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. Albert the Great

Podcast Information:

• Title: Catholic Saints
• Host/Author: Augustine Institute
• Episode: St. Albert the Great
• Release Date: November 15, 2024
• Description: This episode delves into the life and legacy of St. Albert the Great, exploring his significant contributions to theology and natural science, his mentorship of St. Thomas Aquinas, and the enduring lessons his life offers to the faithful.

Introduction

In the latest episode of the Catholic Saints podcast, hosted by Taylor Kemp, Vice President of Content at the Augustine Institute, and featuring Dr. Scott Heffelfinger, a faculty member of the Graduate School of Theology and Director of Content Development, listeners are introduced to the illustrious life of St. Albert the Great. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of why St. Albert is revered as "the Great" among Catholic saints.

Understanding "Greatness" in Saints

The conversation begins with Taylor and Scott exploring the intriguing question: "How do saints earn the title 'the Great'?" They reveal that this designation is typically "a popular designation that just takes hold" rather than an official title granted by the Church.

Scott [02:07]: "Most of the greats are called the great, like within the cultus of veneration, shortly after their death. It's not an official designation that the Church grants."

Taylor references Pope Benedict XVI's insights, highlighting that "almost all of the greats had a significant activity in and an impact on the politics of the day and age", suggesting their influence extended beyond purely religious spheres.

Taylor [02:33]: "What you can notice is almost all of the greats had a significant activity in and an impact on the politics of the day and age."

Biography of St. Albert the Great

St. Albert the Great was born around the year 1200 into a wealthy family, growing up in a castle—an upbringing that Taylor and Scott discuss with a touch of humor.

Taylor [05:15]: "I like castles, but they were so austere, most likely compared to our day and age."

Albert pursued his education in Padua, Italy, within the realm of the liberal arts, studying disciplines such as grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, music, and astronomy. His profound interest in natural science led him to become one of the foremost natural scientists of his time.

Contributions to Theology and Science

Albert's intellectual pursuits were not confined to natural sciences; he played a pivotal role in reviving Aristotle's works in the Western world. At a time when Aristotle's teachings were just being translated into Latin, Albert reconciled these philosophies with Christian theology, laying the groundwork for future theologians.

Taylor [04:38]: "He brings Aristotle basically to the west and argues for the compatibility of Aristotle's teachings with Christianity."

Mentorship and Relationship with St. Thomas Aquinas

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Albert's mentorship of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the most influential theologians in Catholic history. Albert's role as a teacher and his fostering of Thomas's intellectual growth are highlighted as key aspects of his greatness.

Taylor [04:26]: "When I think of St. Albert the Great, I think of St. Thomas Aquinas."

Tragically, St. Thomas died young, leading Albert to defend his pupil's teachings in Paris in 1277, ensuring that Thomas's contributions were recognized and preserved.

Taylor [07:00]: "Albert defended Thomas in Paris before the bishop and other theologians as an act of love and for the truth."

Reflections on St. Albert's Legacy

The episode delves into the complexities of Albert's character, noting that while his life was marked by remarkable holiness, his writings revealed moments where he struggled with pride and vanity. His biographer observed that it was only after Albert ceased writing and embraced a life of prayer and penance that his path to canonization became clear.

Scott [11:53]: "Holiness just goes deeper and deeper if we're open to the Lord's will."

Lessons from St. Albert's Life

Taylor and Scott extract several practical lessons from Albert's life:

1. Humility and Selflessness: Albert exemplified the Christian ideal of using one's gifts to serve God and others rather than for self-glorification.

   Scott [12:25]: "How difficult is it on the human level to not take some level of pride or ownership over gifts."

2. Attention to the Natural World: Albert's meticulous observation and documentation of the natural world serve as a reminder to remain attentive amidst modern distractions.

   Scott [22:13]: "Attention is a great thing. We don't want to lose that with all of the distractions that we have around us."

3. Balancing Intellectual Pursuits with Faith: His ability to blend rigorous intellectual inquiry with deep faith provides a model for integrating knowledge and spirituality.

Connection to Augustine Institute's Programs

Drawing parallels between St. Albert's educational journey and the Augustine Institute's offerings, Taylor discusses their Master of Arts in Christian Education program. This program mirrors Albert's combination of liberal arts education, life of prayer, and mentorship, aiming to equip educators to teach faith effectively while fostering personal holiness.

Taylor [19:16]: "We're almost replicating those sure things to discover and follow God's voice in our Master of Arts in Christian Education."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Taylor and Scott reaffirming the enduring impact of St. Albert the Great on both the Catholic Church and the broader intellectual landscape. His legacy, particularly through his mentorship of St. Thomas Aquinas and his contributions to integrating faith with reason, continues to inspire and inform contemporary Catholic thought and education.

Taylor [23:02]: "St. Albert's a great lesson there, I think, for us."

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on St. Albert's life and consider how his example of intellectual rigor, humility, and dedication to God can influence their own faith journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott [02:07]: "Most of the greats are called the great, like within the cultus of veneration, shortly after their death. It's not an official designation that the Church grants."

• Taylor [04:38]: "He brings Aristotle basically to the west and argues for the compatibility of Aristotle's teachings with Christianity."

• Taylor [07:00]: "Albert defended Thomas in Paris before the bishop and other theologians as an act of love and for the truth."

• Scott [11:53]: "Holiness just goes deeper and deeper if we're open to the Lord's will."

• Scott [12:25]: "How difficult is it on the human level to not take some level of pride or ownership over gifts."

• Scott [22:13]: "Attention is a great thing. We don't want to lose that with all of the distractions that we have around us."

• Taylor [19:16]: "We're almost replicating those sure things to discover and follow God's voice in our Master of Arts in Christian Education."

• Taylor [23:02]: "St. Albert's a great lesson there, I think, for us."

This episode of Catholic Saints offers a profound exploration of St. Albert the Great's life, highlighting his intellectual contributions, his role as a mentor to St. Thomas Aquinas, and the timeless lessons his life imparts on humility, dedication, and attentiveness to God's creation.