(1542-1621) During the throes of the Protestant Revolt, the patron of catechists was born in Tuscany, Italy. He was the third of 10 children. He became a Jesuit priest even though his father wanted him to enter politics. He assisted other saints, like Aloysius Gonzaga and Francis de Sales, and tried to negotiate peace between his friend, Galileo, and the Vatican. His extensive writings in defense of the Faith (apologetics) and refuting Protestant errors earned him the title of Doctor of the Church.
What drove Saint Robert was his interior life. An experience of God’s goodness became reflected in how he lived. Reform begins with personal conversion. Our experience of our Higher Power does not only happen in the head, but must involve the heart and our lived reality.
“If you have wisdom, may you understand that you have been created for the glory of God and for your eternal salvation. This is your goal, this is the centre of your soul, this the treasure of your heart. Therefore consider as truly good for you what leads you to your goal, and truly evil what causes you to miss it” (Saint Robert Bellarmine).
Reflection by Brad Farmer