Saint Thomas Aquinas

St. 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. 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. 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 the '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.

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love 
(Blessed  and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)