Albert of Vercelli
Albert of Vercelli was a canon lawyer, bishop, and diplomat who served as Patriarch of Jerusalem. He is principally remembered for his role in mediating disputes and for composing the Carmelite Rule of St. Albert, which guided the newly founded Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.
- Feast Day
- September 17
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was bishop of Bobbio and bishop of Vercelli.
- ›He served as mediator and diplomat under Pope Clement III.
- ›Innocent III appointed him Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1204 or 1205.
- ›He contributed the Carmelite Rule of St. Albert to the Carmelite Order.
- ›He mediated disputes between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Cyprus.
- ›He was stabbed to death on September 14, 1214, by the Master of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit.
Albert of Jerusalem, Albertus Hierosolymitanus, Albertus Vercelensis, Saint Albert, Albert of Vercelli, Alberto Avogadro
Bishop, Archbishop, Diplomat, Founder
About Albert of Vercelli
Albert of Vercelli, also known by names such as Albertus Hierosolymitanus and Alberto Avogadro, was an Italian canon lawyer and bishop who lived from 1149 to 1214. He played a significant role as a mediator and diplomat in ecclesiastical and political affairs during the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Castel Gualtieri, Italy, Albert received his education in theology and law. He entered the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross at Mortara and was elected prior in 1180. His ecclesiastical career advanced when he became Bishop of Bobbio in 1184, followed by his appointment as Bishop of Vercelli a year later. In these roles, he served the papacy as a mediator and diplomat, notably between Pope Clement III and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. He also served as a papal legate in 1199, helping to end the conflict between Parma and Piacenza.
Major Contributions and Legacy
In 1204 or 1205, Pope Innocent III appointed Albert as the Patriarch of Jerusalem. During his tenure as patriarch, he made a significant contribution to religious life by composing what became known as the Carmelite Rule of St. Albert. This rule was instrumental in the founding of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, which was based on Mount Carmel. As patriarch, Albert also mediated disputes between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Cyprus, as well as between the Knights Templar and the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.
Death
Albert of Vercelli was invited to attend the Fourth Lateran Council in 1214. However, while participating in a procession on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, he was stabbed to death on September 14, 1214. The perpetrator was the Master of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, whom Albert had previously rebuked and deposed for immoral conduct. He was succeeded as Patriarch of Jerusalem by Raoul of Merencourt.
Veneration
Albert is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. His liturgical commemoration in the calendar of the Carmelites is observed on September 17.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Albert of Vercelli?
Albert of Vercelli, also known as Albert of Jerusalem, was an Italian canon lawyer and saint. He served as a bishop in Italy and later as the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
What is Albert of Vercelli most famous for?
He is chiefly remembered for his diplomatic work, mediating various disputes, and for composing the Carmelite Rule of St. Albert, which guided the Carmelite Order.
When did Albert of Vercelli live?
Albert of Vercelli was born in 1149 and died on September 14, 1214. His life spanned the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
How did Albert of Vercelli die?
He was stabbed to death on September 14, 1214, by the Master of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, whom Albert had previously rebuked and deposed for immorality.
What role did Albert of Vercelli play in the Carmelite Order?
As Patriarch of Jerusalem, Albert helped found the Carmelites around 1209. His most significant contribution was the composition of the Carmelite Rule of St. Albert, which provided the order with its guiding principles.
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