September 17: Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor—Optional Memorial

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September 17: Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor—Optional Memorial

1542–1621
Patron Saint of canon lawyers, catechism writers, catechists, and catechumens
Canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930
Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1931
Liturgical Color: White

Quote:
If I seek my maker, I find God alone. If I seek the material from which he made me, I find absolutely nothing. From this you can conclude that whatever is in me was made by God, and wholly belongs to God. If I ask about my nature, I find that I am the image of God. If I ask about my end, I find God himself, who is my supreme and total good. Therefore, I will recognize that I have a great bond with, and need for, God, as he alone is my creator, my maker, my father, my exemplar, my happiness, my all. If I understand this, what can happen except that I seek him ardently, that I think of him, that I yearn for him, desire to see and embrace Him? Should I not be horrified at the dense darkness of my heart, which for so long has considered, desired, and sought things other than God, who alone is my all?”  ~Saint Robert Bellarmine, The Mind’s Ascent to God by the Ladder of Created Things

Prayer:
Saint Robert Bellarmine, God used you for His glory and praise by placing your mind at his service. God used you to articulate His truth in a systematic and practical way that strengthened and unified the Church. Please pray for me, that I will always place my gifts and talents at the service of God so that He will use me to fulfill His perfect will. Saint Robert Bellarmine, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

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