Saint Robert Bellarmine

St. Robert Bellarmine was born on 4 October 1542 at Montepulciano, Tuscany. Robert was the son of Vincent Bellarmine and Cinthia Cervini, both of noble lineage. He joined the Jesuits at 18 and, in 1569, was sent to Louvain, Belgium, the bulwark of Catholicism, to complete his studies. Familiarizing himself at close range with the Protestant heresies, he gained a reputation as a controversialist. In 1576, he was called to Rome by Pope Gregory XII to train the German and English seminarians for the spiritual battles that they would face in their homelands. Robert's systematic approach to an issue, his amazing memory, his familiarity with the works of the Church Fathers, and his knowledge of foreign languages all combined to attract great audiences. His lectures continued for 12 years and resulted, even before their publication under the title De Controversiis, in their being circulated throughout England and Germany in transcriptions; the effect of his arguments, all so clear, erudite, and dispassionate, was so impressive that special chairs were founded in Protestant Universities to formulate replies. His catechism, translated into 60 languages, is still used in Italy today.

In 1592, he was made rector of the Roman College, in 1595, Provincial of Naples, and in 1599, Cardinal by Pope Clement VIII, who affirmed: "The Church has not his equal in learning." Pope Leo XI recalled him from Capua, where he had been made Archbishop, and appointed him his chief theological adviser. Robert defended the Holy See with his writings against the anti-clericals of Venice and the oath of allegiance to King James in England. He played a prominent role in the examination of Galileo's writings. His famous treatise on the true relation between Church and State, to the effect that all authority comes from God but is vested in the people and that they entrust it to rulers as they see fit, is the democratic concept on which the constitutions of many nations have been founded. St. Robert Bellarmine said, "Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved." In the spirit of self-sacrifice, Robert Bellarmine, an ardent devotee of Francis d'Assisi, practiced poverty to the hilt. He died on 17 October 1621 and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930. The following year, he was declared a doctor of the Church.

O God, who adorned the Bishop Saint Robert Bellarmine with wonderful learning and virtue to vindicate the faith of Your Church, grant, through his intercession, that in the integrity of that same faith, Your people may always find joy.

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Most High Servant,

Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love 

(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)