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Feast Day: January 7
Blessed Albert of Siena, also known as Albert of Siena or Albertus Senensis, was born in the village of Monte-alceto in Siena, Tuscany, Italy. His exact date of birth is not known, but it is believed to be in the early 12th century. From a young age, Albert displayed a deep spiritual inclination and a strong desire to dedicate his life to God.
As a young man, Albert embarked on a pilgrimage that would profoundly shape his religious journey. He traveled to various holy sites in Italy and beyond, visiting Rome, Venice, Puglia, Mount Gargano, Compostella in Spain, and even the Holy Lands. These pilgrimages served as transformative experiences for him, deepening his faith and strengthening his resolve to live a life of piety and devotion.
Upon returning from his pilgrimages, Albert joined the Camaldolese hermit community. He became a spiritual student of Blessed William of Maleval, another revered figure of his time. Under the guidance of Blessed William, Albert embraced an extremely ascetic lifestyle, embodying rigorous self-discipline and self-denial. He ate sparingly, slept on the ground, and employed self-mortification techniques like rolling in a pile of nettles whenever he felt tempted.
Albert's exceptional devotion and profound spiritual insight soon earned him recognition as a miracle worker. Many attributed miraculous healings and answered prayers to his intercession. His reputation as a holy and virtuous man spread far and wide.
In addition to his ascetic practices, Albert was also a dedicated scholar and writer. He authored a biography of his spiritual mentor, Blessed William of Maleval, documenting his life and teachings. After Blessed William's passing, Albert personally buried him and constructed a small church and a group of hermit cells over his grave, ensuring that his memory and spiritual legacy would be preserved.
One of the most well-known stories associated with Blessed Albert is his representation with a rabbit in or on his sleeve. According to legend, Albert encountered a rabbit being chased by hunters. The frightened animal sought refuge in his sleeve, and Albert protected it from harm. This encounter came to symbolize his compassion, kindness, and ability to offer refuge and solace to those in need.
Blessed Albert of Siena lived a life devoted to prayer, contemplation, and service to others. He dedicated himself to living in harmony with God's will and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Christian virtues of humility, selflessness, and love. Despite the hardships he willingly endured, Albert possessed a serene and joyful spirit that drew others to witness the profound peace that characterized his existence.
Blessed Albert peacefully passed away around the year 1181 from natural causes. Although the exact dates of his veneration and beatification are not known, he continues to be honored for his exemplary life and his remarkable contributions to the spiritual life of his time. Today, he stands as an inspiration for those seeking a closer union with God and an embodiment of Christian virtues.