Saint Albert of Jerusalem

Biography

Saint Albert of Jerusalem, also known as Albert Avogadro and Albert of Acre, was born in 1149 in Parma, Italy. He was born into a wealthy and prominent noble Italian family, and received an excellent education, focusing particularly on theology and law. After completing his studies, he was ordained and began serving as a canon to Holy Cross Abbey in Mortara, Italy, eventually becoming the abbey's prior. In 1184, Albert was appointed as the Bishop of Bobbio in Italy. He later became the Bishop of Vercelli, where he gained a reputation for his diplomatic skills and ability to mediate disputes. One of his notable achievements was mediating between Pope Clement III and the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, which earned him the title of Prince of the Empire. Recognizing his talents as a diplomat, Albert was appointed as a papal legate to Northern Italy. In this role, he successfully negotiated peace between the cities of Parma and Piacenza in 1199. One of Albert's most significant contributions was his involvement in the formulation of the Rule for Saint Borcard and his hermits. This rule later became the foundation for the Carmelite Order, establishing Albert as a co-founder of the order. In 1205, Pope Innocent III appointed Albert as the Patriarch of Jerusalem, a position that carried significant responsibility and often led to conflict with Muslims. Since his lands were under the control of Saracens, Albert established his see city at Akka (Acre) and held the office for nearly ten years. During his time as Patriarch, Albert became well-known for his involvement in both state and church matters, earning a reputation as a peacemaker among the Frankish factions in his see. He was also summoned to serve in the General Council of the Lateran, a significant assembly of Church leaders, but tragically, he never had the opportunity to attend. On September 14, 1215, while participating in the procession of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Church of Saint John of Acre, Albert was stabbed to death by a disgruntled hospital administrator whom he had been forced to dismiss. This act of violence led to Albert's martyrdom and he is commemorated on September 14th, with some calendars also observing his feast day on September 17th, 25th, or April 8th. Although Saint Albert of Jerusalem does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life and contributions serve as an inspiration for peacemakers, diplomats, and those involved in the Carmelite Order. His dedication to resolving conflicts and his unwavering commitment to his faith make him a revered figure in Catholic history.