St. Albert, philosopher, theologian, scientist and most learned man of his time, was born about 1206 and died at Cologne in 1280. He entered the Order of Preachers and has as a pupil St. Thomas Aquinas. His scientific activity embraced: astronomy, cosmography, meteorology, climatology, physics, mechanics, architecture, zoology, botany, agriculture, navigation, and the textile arts, and besides, he compiled an encyclopedia of the learning of his day.
In 1260 he was consecrated Bishop of Regensburg, but resigned after two years. He is known in the schools as the “Universal Doctor.” He was beatified in 1622, canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church on January 9, 1932.
(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)