Thank you for joining us for this episode of Godsplaining. My guest today is the one and only Dr. Peter Kreeft, longtime professor of philosophy at Boston College and a noted author. Perhaps you, like me, have read one of Dr. Kreeft’s many books — there are certainly plenty to choose from. I’m so excited to have the good professor with us today to discuss his latest works...

Throughout the month of November, Catholics aim with special dedication to fulfill the sweetest of the spiritual works of mercy, which is to pray for our beloved dead. We do so of course on Nov. 2, the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), which this year happily fell on a Sunday. The Church remembers our beloved dead not just on this day, however, but makes suffrage for them throughout the year — and with special fervor in November.

For those who have not yet had the pleasure, Villanova University stretches idyllically across Philadelphia’s Main Line, a mere pebble toss from the placid ponds and ivied arches of Bryn Mawr College. Under the stewardship of Peter Donohue, O.S.A, the Augustinian institution is expanding that Ruskinesque landscape, as Villanova looks more and more like Catholic Oxford every day. At the Western edge of its cloistering...

Feast date: Nov 15

St. Albert the Great is a Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of scientists. The native German joined the newly formed Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in the early 13^th century. He earned a doctorate from the University of Paris and taught theology there and in Cologne, Germany.

 

Albert became known as “Great” because of his intellectual abilities; he was a respected philosopher, scientist, theologian and teacher, and was well-versed in Arabic culture. One of his students, who later became a great friend and built upon his Scholastic method, was Thomas Aquinas.

 

He died Nov. 15, 1280.

commentary

Today the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Albert the Great (c. 1200-1280), son of a German nobleman. While studying at Padua when the Master General of the Dominicans, Jordan of Saxony, succeeded in attracting him to that Order. He was to become one of its greatest glories. After taking his degrees at the University of Paris he taught philosophy and theology at Paris and then in Cologne. St. Thomas Aquinas was among his pupils. His knowledge was encyclopedic. In 1260 he was named Bishop of Ratisbon and devoted himself zealously to the duties of his office. But soon resigned in order to continue his teaching and research. St. Albert died in Cologne on November 15, 1280.

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“Can you imagine teenage guys and gals sitting in a football stadium talking to the Pope? Like what that will do for vocations in this country?”