He is the “Universal Doctor”. His knowledge in the field of sciences, philosophy, and theology was vast. But St. Albert the Great’s wisdom did not come from his genius alone. St. Albert had help in reaching the heights of wisdom: Mary, Seat of Wisdom.

A struggling student

Studying came hard for the young Albert. While he was still a young man in college, he had so much trouble remembering what he previously studied that he was tempted to just give up and quit school altogether. One night, that temptation almost got the best of him.

While the rest of the students and prefects were sleeping, he tried to escape out of a window on the upper floor of the student residence. Just as he was about to make his way down a set of stairs, suddenly Our Lady appeared to him.

“Albert,” she said, “instead of running away, why don’t you pray to me?” After asking him this question, she then gave him the reason. “I am the Seat of Wisdom. If you have faith and if you trust me, I will obtain for you an unfailing memory.” Without saying anything more, Our Lady vanished, leaving Albert with a decision to make.

Taking Our Lady at her word, Albert returned to his room, resolving to take up once more the arduous task of studying. But this time, he was going to make sure to start each day with Mary. Prayer, study, and trust, became Albert’s daily routine. He prayed to Mary, he studied hard, and he trusted that she would provide.

Provide she did! St. Albert would go on to reach the heights of knowledge becoming a renowned geographer, astrologer, chemist, and theologian. In doing so, he became an exemplary Catholic academic for all times, since he shows all students, teachers, and researchers how to join “human wisdom to divine faith”. He could join human wisdom and divine faith so brilliantly, because he joined prayer and study so faithfully. Trusting all along in Mary’s intercession and God’s gift of wisdom to guide and support him.

A lesson for us

St. Albert’s lesson for us is that we too must combine trust in Mary with a persistent effort. We do not have to choose—and it would be imprudent otherwise—between one or other, i.e. between human effort or heavenly help. We should employ both in right order. Just as we refuse to live for Jesus without Mary, so similarly, we should also be resolved to do everything with her, in her, through her, and for her, so as to do all things—especially the most arduous ones—for the greater glory of God.

St. Albert’s example is a simple one in this regard: ask, act, and trust. He asked Mary for her guidance and help. He acted on his responsibility. And all throughout he trusted in Mary’s help. Ask, act, and trust.

Take this same saintly formula with you today and everyday forward, so that you can seize the day and make it all Hers!

Photo Attribution: Flickr, Lawrence OP, https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/52501304826

Original photo modified.