Feast Day of St Albert of Jerusalem - 17 September

Saint Albert of Jerusalem

Albert Avogadro was born in the middle of the twelfth century in Castel Gualteri in Italy. He became a Canon Regular of the Holy Cross at Mortara and was elected their prior in 1180. Named Bishop of Bobbio in 1184 and of Vercelli in 1185, he was made Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1205 where, in word and example, he was the model of a good pastor and peace‑maker. While he was Patriarch (1206‑1214) he united the hermits of Carmel into one community and wrote a Rule for them. He was murdered at Acre on September 14th, 1214.

Prayer

Lord God,
through St Albert of Jerusalem
you have given us a Rule of life
according to your Gospel
to help us attain perfect love.
Through his prayers
may we always live in allegiance to Jesus Christ
and serve faithfully until death
him who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.

Scripture Readings

Ephesians 6:11-18; Gospel – Matthew 20:25-28.

Texts taken from the “Carmelite Proper of the Liturgy of the Hours,” Institutum Carmelitanum, Rome: 1993.
Image courtesy of the Carmelnet webmaster, U.S.A.