St. Albert the Great, also known as Albertus Magnus, was a German Dominican friar, philosopher, and scientist born around 1206 in Lauingen, Bavaria. He is renowned for his extensive contributions to the fields of theology, philosophy, and natural science, earning him the title "Doctor Universalis" and "Patron of Natural Sciences." 

A student of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Albert played a pivotal role in integrating Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine, emphasizing the importance of reason and empirical observation. His works cover a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, ethics, and the natural world, and he is credited with significant advancements in botany, zoology, and mineralogy.

St. Albert was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1931 and declared a Doctor of the Church. His feast day is celebrated on November 15. He is often depicted holding a book and a lily, symbolizing his scholarly pursuits and purity of heart. St. Albert is venerated as a model of the harmony between faith and reason, making him a prominent figure in Catholic education and thought.