St. Robert Bellarmine was a prominent Italian Jesuit and cardinal born on December 4, 1542. He is best known for his work in theology and his defense of the Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation. Bellarmine was canonized as a saint in 1930 and is recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his significant contributions to Catholic doctrine. He played a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation, engaging in debates with Protestant reformers and writing extensively on issues of faith and morality. His most famous work, *Controversies*, addressed various theological disputes. St. Robert Bellarmine is the patron saint of catechists and is celebrated on September 17 each year.