St. Robert Bellarmine
Italian Jesuit cardinal and theologian (1542-1621), of Tuscan birth, professor at the Roman College, archbishop of Capua; foremost Catholic controversialist of the post-Tridentine era, author of the "Disputationes de Controversiis" and a popular catechism, advisor to popes during the Galileo affair (which he handled with prudence). Doctor of the Church (1931).
Life & Times
Born: 1542 · Died: 1621 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Robert Bellarmine is invoked as the patron of catechists, canon lawyers, theologians. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“The school of Christ is the school of love. In the last day, when the general examination takes place, there will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be the whole syllabus.”— The Mind's Ascent to God (De Ascensione Mentis in Deum), Step 7 (1614)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Robert Bellarmine, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.