Saint Robert Bellarmine

Robert Bellarmine was born on October 4, 1542, in Montepulciano, Tuscany, a nephew of Pope Marcellus II. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1560 and became a celebrated teacher at Louvain and at the Roman College. His great work, the Controversies, explained Catholic doctrine clearly and charitably in the debates of the Reformation era. He also wrote simple catechisms that were used for centuries and translated into dozens of languages.

At the Roman College he was spiritual director to the young Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. Made a cardinal in 1599, he served as archbishop of Capua and as adviser to several popes, while living poorly and giving generously to the poor. He took part in the Church's first examination of Galileo's ideas in 1616. He died in Rome on September 17, 1621, was canonized in 1930 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1931.

He is buried in the Jesuit church of Sant'Ignazio in Rome, near Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, as he requested. Many Jesuit schools and parishes, including several in the United States, bear his name.

Catechists and teachers of religion often ask for his help, and his day is a natural time to begin or bless the catechism year.