St. Thomas Aquinas: Patron Saint of Teachers, Students and Theologians

On January 28, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century theologian who is noted for demonstrating the harmony between faith and reason.

 Born in 1225 into a noble Italian family, Thomas was destined for greatness from a young age. His father, Count Landulph of Aquino, and his mother, Countess Theodora of Teano, ensured he received a strong education by enrolling him at Monte Cassino Abbey when he was just five. The monks there, recognizing his exceptional intellect, recommended that his father enroll him in university by the time he turned ten. Following their advice, Thomas' father enrolled him at the University of Naples, where he quickly excelled in philosophy and rhetoric.

Prior to Thomas’ birth, a hermit is said to have prophesied to his mother, Theodora, that he would join the Dominican Order and attain unparalleled holiness and wisdom. This prophecy eventually came true. Inspired by a Dominican friar during his youth, Thomas aspired to join the order. However, his decision faced intense opposition from his family. His brothers even went as far as kidnapping him from the Dominicans and imprisoning him in the family castle. At one point, they attempted to tempt him by sending a woman to seduce him, but Thomas drove her away with a heated fireplace poker. Eventually, under pressure from both the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor, his brothers allowed him to escape from captivity. Thomas then traveled to Rome, where he received the Pope’s blessing for his vocation.

Thomas then traveled to Paris, where he began his studies under St. Albert the Great. Despite being nicknamed “the Dumb Ox” due to his quiet demeanor, Albert recognized his brilliance, famously predicting that Thomas' teachings would resound throughout the world. By 23, Thomas was teaching alongside Albert in Cologne. He also began writing commentaries on Aristotle, whose philosophical insights deeply influenced his theological work.

Ordained a priest around 1250, Thomas exhibited profound reverence for the liturgy and a talent for preaching. He brought many, including his family, closer to the faith. However, his most enduring contributions lie in his theological writings. His masterpieces include the Summa Contra Gentiles, the Compendium Theologiae, and the monumental Summa Theologica, which became a cornerstone of Catholic doctrine.

In December 1273, Thomas stopped writing after a mystical experience, declaring his work to be “like straw” compared to the divine truths he had glimpsed. Despite declining health, he travelled to the Council of Lyon to aid efforts to reunite the Latin and Greek churches. On the journey, he fell gravely ill and was cared for by a Cistercian monk.

On his deathbed, Thomas made a final confession and received the Eucharist. He also declared his life’s work as dedicated to God. He humbly submitted all his writings to the Church’s judgment, ensuring fidelity to its teachings. Thomas died on March 7, 1274, leaving behind an enduring legacy.

Canonized in 1323 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567, Saint Thomas Aquinas remains a guiding light for seminarians and theologians, celebrated for uniting the mysteries of faith with the clarity of reason.

By Catholic Connect Reporter