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Feast Day: July 8
Death: July 8, 1180
Blessed Albert of Genoa, also known as Alberto or Lambert, was born around 1090 in the city of Genoa, Italy. Little is known about his early years, but it is believed that he spent his childhood as a shepherd. Attracted to a life of devotion and prayer, Albert entered religious life and became a lay brother in the Benedictine Order.
However, his desire for solitude and a more contemplative life led him to join the Cistercian reform in 1129. He took up residence at the Sant Andrea monastery located in the village of Sestri Ponente, just outside Genoa. Despite being part of a community, Albert retained a strong inclination towards a solitary existence.
In pursuit of a more secluded life, Albert withdrew from the monastery and made his way to Mount Contessa, situated near Sestri Ponente. There, he found a cave where he could live in seclusion and dedicate himself wholly to prayer and contemplation. This mountain retreat became his permanent dwelling for the rest of his days, where he dwelt as a holy hermit.
During his time as a hermit, Blessed Albert of Genoa lived a life of profound simplicity and faithfulness to God. He devoted himself to fervent prayer, fasting, and acts of penance. As the years passed, the reputation of his holiness and spiritual wisdom grew, and people began seeking his guidance and prayers.
Blessed Albert's life came to an end on July 8, 1180, in Sestri Ponente, Genoa. He died of natural causes. A significant number of miracles were reported at his grave, attesting to his sanctity and intercessory power. This led to a surge of devotion from the faithful, prompting the construction of a church over his burial site.
In recognition of the widespread veneration and the miraculous events associated with Blessed Albert of Genoa, Pope Innocent IV beatified him in 1244. The pope had witnessed the popular devotion accorded to Albert during his three-month stay at the Abbey of Sant Andrea. The beatification proclaimed the official recognition and approval of Albert's cult, allowing the faithful to invoke his intercession and honor him as a blessed servant of God.
Blessed Albert of Genoa remains a beacon of inspiration for those who seek a deep connection with God in their solitary lives. His dedication to a contemplative existence and his unwavering commitment to prayer continue to serve as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and solitude.