Saint Albert of Jerusalem | The Bishop Who Gave the Carmelites Their Rule | September 14
He lived during the turbulent age of the Crusades. He served the Church as a bishop, diplomat and peacemaker. But centuries later, he is especially remembered for a relatively short document written for a small community of hermits living near Mount Carmel. That document became known as: The Rule of Saint Albert. FROM ITALY TO THE HOLY LAND Albert was born in Italy during the 12th century. He entered the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross and eventually became Bishop of Bobbio and later Bishop of Vercelli. Albert became respected not only as a churchman but also for his ability to help resolve difficult disputes. In the early 13th century, he was appointed Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Because Jerusalem itself was under Muslim control at the time, Albert resided principally at Acre. THE HERMITS OF MOUNT CARMEL Meanwhile, a group of Western Christian hermits had settled on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. They wanted to dedicate themselves to Jesus through prayer, solitude, community and simplicity. They approached Albert and asked him to provide them with a structured way of life. Albert responded by giving them what eventually became known as the Carmelite Rule, traditionally dated to the early 13th century. It encouraged a life centred upon: Prayer Meditation on God's Word Silence Community Work Following Jesus Christ One of its most beautiful principles calls the brothers to remain: “Meditating day and night on the law of the Lord and keeping vigil in prayer.” THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT SPIRITUAL FAMILY Those hermits probably couldn't imagine what would eventually grow from their little community. From the Carmelite tradition would later come saints such as: Saint Teresa of Ávila. Saint John of the Cross. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Saint Edith Stein. And at the heart of Carmelite spirituality remained that desire to live in the presence of God. Albert didn't found all of this himself. He simply helped give an emerging community the structure it needed to pursue Christ faithfully. A MAN OF PEACE IN A VIOLENT AGE Albert's ministry wasn't limited to writing a religious rule. He lived in an age filled with political and religious conflict and became known for diplomatic work and attempts at reconciliation. Yet tragically, violence eventually reached Albert himself. In 1214, while participating in a religious procession in Acre, Albert was assassinated by a man whom he had previously disciplined. His life ended violently. But the spiritual work he helped establish continued. WHAT WILL CONTINUE AFTER YOU? Most of us think about achievement in terms of what we accomplish. Albert gives us another perspective. Sometimes God asks us to build something that others will carry forward. Parents do this when they teach their children to pray. Teachers do it when they form their students. Catechists do it when they plant faith in someone else's heart. Priests do it through the people they shepherd. Sometimes we may never see the final result. Albert never met Teresa of Ávila or Thérèse of Lisieux. Yet centuries later, they belonged to a spiritual family profoundly shaped by the Rule he had given those first Carmelites. Never underestimate the seed God may be asking you to plant today. You may not see how far it will grow. Scripture to Remember “Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10 Prayer Saint Albert of Jerusalem, faithful shepherd and servant of the Church, you helped guide the first Carmelites towards a life of prayer, Scripture and communion with God. Teach us to make room for silence and prayer in our busy lives. Help us become peacemakers wherever there is division. Give us courage to plant seeds of faith even when we may never see their final fruit. Pray especially for the Carmelite family and for all who seek a deeper life with Christ. Saint Albert of Jerusalem, pray for us. Amen. Feast Day: September 14 Died: 1214 Origin: Italy Role: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Ministry: Holy Land, especially Acre Known For: Giving the Carmelite hermits their Rule of Life Legacy: The Rule of Saint Albert and Carmelite spirituality Death: Martyred in Acre in 1214
St Joseph's Corner
Albert Avogadro
Albert of Acre
Albert of Bobbio
Albert of Vercelli
Memorial
14 September
17 September on some calendars
25 September on some calendars
8 April on some calendars
Profile
Born to a wealthy and prominent noble Italian family. Well educated, especially in theology and law. Ordained, he served as canon to Holy Cross Abbey in Mortara, Italy. Abbey prior. Bishop of Bobbio, Italy in 1184. Bishop of Vercelli, Italy. Mediated disputes between Pope Clement III and Frederick Barbarossa, and for his efforts was named Prince of the Empire. Papal legate to Northern Italy. Negotiated peace between Parma and Piacenza in 1199. Helped formulate the Rule for Saint Borcard and his hermits. This Rule later was adopted as the Rule for the Carmelites, and thus Albert is considered a co-founder of the order. Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1205 under Pope Innocent III, a position that generally led to conflict with the Muslims, and martyrdom. Since his lands were wholly in the hands of Saracens, he established his see city at Akka (Acre). Held the office nearly ten years. Well known for his involvement in both state and church matters, and as a peacemaker to the Frankish factions in his see. Summoned to serve in the General Council of the Lateran, but murdered before he could attend.
Born
1149 at Parma, Italy as Albert Avogadro
Died
stabbed to death in the Church of Saint John of Acre on 14 September 1215 while part of the procession of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
killed by a disgruntled hospital administrator he had been forced to fire
Patronage
in Italy
Bobbio
Castelletto di Branduzzo
Vercelli