Born in Italy in 1542, Robert Bellarmine’s family was poor but from a line of nobles. His father hoped Robert would reclaim their family’s wealth and social standing, but his mother arranged for a Jesuit education and Robert grew rapidly in piety and joined the Jesuits against his father’s wishes. Fr. Bellarmine was quickly appointed to teach theology, became a spiritual director, rector, and popular homilist. He also began writing, eventually authoring two catechisms and multiple volumes of apologetics defending the Catholic faith from Protestant attacks. Made a cardinal in 1599 by Pope Clement VIII, he served as the pontiff’s personal theologian. He died at the age of 78 and his many works earned him the title Doctor of the Church.
CHALLENGE
Almost 300 years before the Immaculate Conception was defined as an official dogma of the Church, St. Robert Bellarmine was defending the doctrine. He had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Rosary was his constant companion and source of relaxation. Today, say the Rosary and ask the Blessed Mother to call wayward Catholics back to the Church.
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