Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 as the youngest son of Landulf of Aquino and Theodora of Chieti. He began his studies at the famous Benedictine monastery, Monte Cassino when he was five years old. At age 14, Thomas entered Naples University, and there, he came in touch with the Dominicans, who influenced him greatly. At the age of eighteen, he resolved to join the Dominican Order. However, his family bitterly resented his decision and imprisoned him in a tower for two years. During his confinement, his sister brought him the Scriptures and books on Philosophy. Eventually, his mother permitted him to escape, and he rejoined the Dominicans. 

He was sent to Paris and he became a student of St Albert the Great. His quiet nature led many students to conclude that he was mentally delayed, and they gave him the nickname ""Dumb Ox."" One day, however, his teacher, Albert, decided it was time for everyone to realize how brilliant Thomas was, so he gave him a difficult question to answer and asked him to return the next day to present his answer to the class. After Thomas did so, his fellow students were in awe, and Albert said of him, ""You call him the Dumb Ox, but in his teaching, he will one day produce such a bellowing that it will be heard throughout the world.""

 

St. Thomas Aquinas wrote numerous books, sermons, commentaries of Scripture and even composed some of our Church's most beautiful hymns, including Pange Lingua. He continued as a teacher, preacher, and papal theologian in Paris, Naples, Orvieto, and Rome. This ""Angelic Doctor"" and ""Prince of Catholic Theologians"" first invoked God's assistance in contemplation and prayer before taking up any study. Thomas would become so absorbed in his work that a friar had to be appointed to ensure he did not forget his meals and rest.

His humility and sincerity come through in a story told by one early biographer who relates that as Thomas was praying one morning before the crucifix, he anxiously implored the Lord as to whether or not his writings were correct. Jesus spoke to him, saying, ""You have written well of Me, Thomas, what shall be your reward?"" Thomas replied, ""Nothing but You, Lord."" Among his many works, Saint Thomas is best known for the Summa Theologica, or ""Summary of Theology,"" which he never completed. Thomas died on 7th March 1274, during a commentary on  'Song of Songs'. In 1567, he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V, saying Thomas was ""the most brilliant light of the Church."" 

St. Thomas Aquinas, God revealed Himself to you through your interior life of prayer. Obtain for us the grace to draw ever closer to God, the source of all knowledge.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.