Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Scientists
Blessed Alcuin of York
Abbot († 804) Feast: May 19
“Always work to the utmost for the honor of God Almighty.” Alcuin of York, “the schoolmaster of Europe,” was born around 735. It is said he could read Virgil and had memorized the psalms by eleven. Alcuin became a deacon, but was never ordained a priest. He earned a reputation as a fine teacher, and in 781, Emperor Charlemagne made him his educational adviser.
Alcuin’s vision of education encompassed both Scripture and “the wine of ancient learning.” He helped revive the classical liberal arts and establish their use for a millennium. He insisted on the copying of ancient texts, for which purpose he also saw to it that forests were stocked with the animals necessary for making books: boars, whose hair was used for brushes, and deer, whose skin was used for parchment. He stressed the need for friendship between teacher and student and taught deep truths with a light hand. He was known to give his pupils nicknames.
Alcuin is credited with helping to develop the use of lowercase letters and inventing an early form of the question mark. He spent much time collecting and revising liturgical texts, compiling a Missal that helped increase uniformity in the celebration of Mass throughout western Europe. In 796, Alcuin became abbot of Saint Martin’s monastery at Tours, where he died in 804.
Loving Father, through the prayers of Blessed Alcuin, help us to find renewal by adhering to the Truth,
ever ancient and ever new.
