Saint Who?
Saints Who Founded Communities
Saint Albert of Jerusalem
Bishop and martyr († 1214)Feast: September 17
“The sword of the spirit, the word of God, must abound in your mouths and hearts. Let all you do have the Lord’s word for accompaniment.” Born in Italy in the middle of the 12th century, Albert became a Canon Regular of the Holy Cross, which followed the rule of Saint Augustine. He was elected prior of his community in 1180. Four years later he was appointed Bishop of Bobbio, and the following year Bishop of Vercelli.
A man of diplomacy and skill, Albert had a degree in canon law, and was called to serve as a papal diplomat and mediator. He was appointed Patriarch of Jerusalem around 1205. The Kingdom of Jerusalem was a crusader state, but by now the city itself was under Muslim control. Albert took up his residence in the port city of Acre, capital of the crusader state.
During this period the hermits who lived on nearby Mount Carmel asked him to write a rule of life for them. The Rule of Saint Albert, simple, scriptural, and practical, marks the official beginning of the Carmelite order. Albert died in Acre, stabbed in the back by a hospital official whom he had reprimanded and deposed for immoral behavior.
Almighty Father, through the prayers of Saint Albert
of Jerusalem, bless all who follow the rule he composed and all who seek to establish religious communities.
