He became a professor at what is now the Jesuit-run Gregorian University in Rome and his lectures there became the basis of his most famous work, his three-volume Disputationes de Controversiis Christianae Fidei adversus hujus temporis Haereticos—“Disputations Concerning the Controversies of the Christian Faith Against the Heretics of This Time” containing the lucid and uncompromising explanation of Catholic doctrine in light of errors of his day.
When he was made a Cardinal by Pope Clement VIII, St. Robert insisted on living a simple life rather than embracing the privileges he could have had. He abstained from luxurious meals, and gave away many of his possession to clothe the poor. He served as a theologian to the pope and published two important catechisms. St. Robert Bellarmine’s long delayed canonization took place in 1930 and he was declared a doctor of the Church one year later.
Here was a man totally dedicated to Christ and His Church. He devoted his life to the study of Scripture and Catholic doctrine. His writings, intelligence, and character served the church at a time that was most needed. God gave Robert Bellarmine wisdom and goodness to defend the faith of His church and to help others understand it.
We are reminded of the need to learn and understand our faith in order to defend it when it is under attack and also to spread it when the time is right. St. Bellarmine wrote: “if you are wise, then know that you have been created for the glory of God and for your eternal salvation. This is your goal; this is the center of your life; this is the treasure of your heart. If you reach this goal, you will find happiness. If you fail to reach it, you will find misery.”
In the Gospel today for the memorial of Robert Bellarmine, the Lord himself teaches the danger of giving God lip-service, rather than seeking to conform your life to the Holy Will of God. “Not everyone who calls out, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven.” This warning certainly keeps us vigilant, to consider all as loss, as St. Paul says, which keeps us from gaining Christ.
May we, like St. Robert Bellarmine, count all as loss, which does not help us to know and love Christ, to be adorned like him with learning and virtue, so to live the faith with joy for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That Robert Bellarmine, patron saint of Catechists, may assist with his prayers all those who teach the faith to be free of error and for the conversion of the heretics of our time.
That God’s wisdom may order our life, to pursue the treasures of heaven above all.
That the uninitiated who seek God may answer the call to Christian conversion and for the success of our parish RCIA programs.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests, deacons and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
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