St. Robert Bellarmine
Feast 09-17 · Canonized 1930
Patron of
About
Robert Bellarmine was born in Montepulciano, Italy, in 1542, the nephew of Pope Marcellus II. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1560 and became one of the greatest theologians of the Counter-Reformation, teaching at the Roman College and writing the Disputationes, a landmark defense of Catholic doctrine.
He served as a cardinal and as Archbishop of Capua, where he was known for his pastoral care of the poor. He also wrote two famous catechisms and guided the young St. Aloysius Gonzaga, who died in his arms.
He died in 1621 and was canonized in 1930, then declared a Doctor of the Church in 1931. He is venerated as a patron of catechists, catechumens, and canon lawyers.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave Robert Bellarmine learning to defend the faith and the charity to hold the dying Aloysius in his arms, grant through his intercession that catechists and scholars may speak the truth in love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
