<p>Robert Bellarmine is one of the Church's great apologists. Born in Tuscany, Italy, in 1542, he entered the Jesuits in 1560 and was renowned for his preaching even before he was ordained in 1570. After years of study and teaching, he was made Professor of Controversial Theology at the Roman College. His lectures were published in his 4-volume <em>Disputations on the Controversies of the Christian Faith against the Heretics of this Time</em> (1586-93). This dogmatic work, a defence of Catholicism, became a classic in his own time, appreciated even by Protestants because of its balanced and reasonable presentation.</p>
<p>Robert's many roles included reviser of the Latin Vulgate Bible, advisor to Galileo, author of two catechisms, director of the Roman College, leader in the Catholic Reformation, head of the Vatican library, and theological consultant to the Holy See. While he championed papal authority in spiritual matters, his views on the pope's temporal power aroused controversy; today those views are accepted teaching.</p>
<p>Appointed Cardinal in 1599 and Archbishop of Capua in 1602, he was greatly loved as a pastor. He died in 1621, was canonized in 1930 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1931. He is a patron of catechists and catechumens.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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