September 17
Saint Robert Bellarmine
Bishop, Doctor of the Church
(1542 – 1621)
“Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without, which no man is saved.”
Saint Robert Bellarmine
Coming November 1, 2024 on Amazon
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Roberto Francesco Romolo Bellarmine was born on October 4, 1542 in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy to Vincenzo Bellarmine and Cinzia Cervini. His mother, a niece of Pope Marcellus II, was dedicated to almsgiving, prayer, meditation, fasting, and mortification. Robert suffered assorted health problems all his life. Robert was educated by Jesuits as a boy.
Studied at Worldwide Jesuit Centers
At the age of 17, Robert opposed his father, who wanted him to go into politics, and entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on September 20, 1560. Robert studied at the Collegio Romano from 1560 to 1563, Jesuit centers in Florence, Italy in 1563, then in Mondovi, Piedmont, the University of Padua in 1567 and 1568, and the University of Louvain, Flanders in 1569. He was ordained on Palm Sunday in 1570 in Ghent, Gelguim.
Theology Professor
Robert was appointed a theology profesor at University of Louvain, the first Jesuit to become a Professor at Louvain. Robert’s tenure as professor lasted there until 1576. He lectured on Saint Thomas Aquinas‘ Summa and gained a reputation for his learning and brilliant preaching.
Taught and Defended Catholicism
A the request of Pope Gregory XIII, Robert taught polemical theology at the Collegio Romano from 1576 to 1587. While there Robert wrote Disputationes de Controversiis Christianae Fidei adversus hujus temporis hereticos, the most complete work of the day to defend Catholicism against Protestant attack.
Wrote Children and Adult Catechisms
In 1588, Robert became the spiritual director at the college. He taught Jesuit students and other children and wrote a children‘s catechism, Dottrina cristiana breve. Robert also wrote a catechism for teachers entitled, Dichiarazione piu copiosa della dottrina cristiana. Robert was the Confessor of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga until his death, and then worked for his canonization.
Mission to France
In 1590, Robert was sent on a mission to Paris, France to defend the interests of the Church during a period of turmoil and conflict. He lead a commission for the 1592 revision of the Vulgate Bible for which he wrote an Introduction.
Rector and Provincial
In 1592, Robert was named rector of the Collegio Romano. He held this position until 1594, when he became the Jesuit provincial in Naples, Italy. Robert held this position until 1597, when he became Theologian to Pope Clement VIII. In this position during the next 2 years, he prepared two catechisms that were still in use in modern times.
Cardinal
In 1599, Robert was made cardinal by Pope Clement VIII. He lived an austere life in Rome, giving most of his money to the poor. At one point, he used the tapestries in his living quarters to clothe the poor, saying that “the walls won’t catch cold.”
Defended the Pope
Robert defended the Pope against anti–clericals in Venice, Italy, and the political tenets of King James I of England. He wrote exhaustive works against heresies of the day. Robert took a fundamentally democratic position – authority originates with God, is vested in the people, who entrust it to fit rulers, a concept which brought him trouble with the kings of both England and France. Robert helped Saint Francis de Sales obtain formal approval of the Visitation Order.
Archbishop of Padua, Italy
Robert became the Archbishop of Capua, Italy on March 18, 1602. He reamined a leading figure in Rome and a trusted theological adviser to the Pope. In 1605, Robert was named head of the Vatican Library. He was involved in disputes between the Republic of Venice and the Vatican in 1606 and 1607 concerning clerical discipline and Vatican authority. In 1607, Robert also dealt with the controversy between King James I and the Vatican, which included in 1609, control of the Church in England. Robert wrote Tractatus de potestate Summi Pontificis in rebus temporalibus adversus Gulielmum Barclaeum in opposition to Gallicanism.
Worked with Galileo
He opposed action against Galileo Galilei in 1615, and established a friendly correspondence with him, but was forced to deliver the order for the scientist to submit to the Church. Robert was part of the conclave of 1621, and was considered for Pope. He was also the theological advisor to Pope Paul V.
His Death
In the last decade of his life, his writings were on spirtual matters and included Art of Dying Well and a commentary on the Psalms. He retired to the St Andrew’s novitiate in Rome, Italy and died there on September 17, 1621 at the age of 78. Robert Bellarmine was canonized in 1930 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1931. He is buried in the Jesuit Church of Saint Ignatius in Rome.
Born: October 4, 1542 in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy
Born: September 17, 1621 in Rome, Italy
Beatified: May 13, 1923 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized: June 29, 1930 by Pope Pius XI
Feast Day: September 17
Patron Saint: Catechists
Reflection
Saint Robert Bellarmine opposed his father when he decided to follow God the Father as a Jesuit. He went on to be the theological adviser to Popes. We may have opposition in our lives that sends us in a direction God wants to help us increase our faith. We may not advise Popes in our lifetime, however all of our actions may guide others by our example in love and kindness shown to those around us.
Have your prayed to God for guidance when you have opposition in your life? Who needs your advice today to help see Jesus’ guiding light through your loving kindness?
Prayers
Saint Robert Bellarmine,
As a brilliant theologian and eloquent preacher, You who clarified the teachings of the Church with wisdom and love,
Grant us the grace to seek truth in all that we do and to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of challenges.
Help us to deepen our understanding of God’s Word and to live according to His will in all aspects of our lives.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Saint Links
Aleteia – 3 Ways to clean up the Church, from St. Robert Bellarmine
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 13 May – St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Defender of the Church
Catholic Exchange – St. Robert Bellarmine: Doctor of the Church, and Bishop of Mercy
Catholic Fire – St. Robert Bellarmine: Cardinal, Theologian, and Doctor of the Church
Catholic Ireland – Sep 17 – St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Jesuit theologian and bishop
Catholic News Agency – St. Robert Bellarmine
Editions Magnificant – Saint Robert Bellarmine Doctor of the Church, Cardinal (1542-1621)
Franciscan Media – Saint Robert Bellarmine
Independent Catholic News – St Robert Bellarmine
Loyola Press – Saint Robert Bellarmine Feast Day September 17
My Catholic Life – St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor
New Advent – Smith, S. (1907). St. Robert Francis Romulus Bellarmine. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Saint for a Minute – Saint Robert Bellarmine
Saint of the Day – St. Robert Bellarmine
uCatholic – Catholic Saint of the Day: St. Robert Bellarmine
Video Link
St. Robert Bellarmine – YouTube (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)