Our Patron Saint
St. Robert Bellarmine, a Jesuit priest, was born in 1542. After ordination in 1570, he became the first Jesuit professor at Louvain (1569-76). His most famous work, a three-volume text, was noteworthy as it showed the divine-right-of kings theory was untenable. Bellarmine was made Cardinal by Pope Clement VIII on the grounds that he has not his equal for learning. As a theologian, he wrote two catechisms which have had a great influence in the church.
Robert Bellarmine devoted his life to the study of scripture and Catholic doctrine. His writings help us to understand that not only is the content of our faith important, but it is also Jesus - living person - as revealed by His life, death, and resurrection - that is the source of revelation. He died on September 17, 1621 (Feast Day), and was canonized by Pope Pius XI.