Saint Albert of Jerusalem

Saint Albert was born near Reggio Emilia in northern Italy around the middle of the twelfth century. As a young man, he joined the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross at Mortara. In 1184 he became bishop of Bobbio; a year later, he was transferred to the diocese of Vercelli. In 1205, Saint Albert was elected Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Pope Innocent III confirmed him in this office, and at the same time, appointed him papal legate for the Holy Land. In 1214 during a procession on the feast of the Holy Cross, Saint Albert was stabbed to death by a man whom he had removed from office because of his evil life.

Sometime between 1206 and 1214, the Latin hermits living on Mount Carmel approached Saint Albert and asked him to give them a rule of life. Albert wrote a rule for the Carmelites and erected them into a religious community. The rule which Albert wrote is masterpiece of wisdom and simplicity, based thoroughly on Sacred Scripture.

This icon depicts Saint Albert in his capacities as archbishop, lawgiver, and confessor for the faith. His role as bishop is exemplified by the miter which adorns his head, the blessing which he gives, and the woolen pallium which he wears around his shoulders. According to St. Germanus, the pallium “signifies the lost sheep whom, having been found, the Lord puts on his shoulders. It has crosses because Christ too carried his cross on his shoulders.” Albert’s role as lawgiver is portrayed by the scroll which he holds, bearing a text from his rule, as well as by his facial expression which reveals his wisdom and experience. The red vestment which Saint Albert wears is symbolic of the shedding of his blood for the cause of justice and the sanctity of life.