Saint Thomas Aquinas, a venerable figure in the Catholic Church, is celebrated not only as a priest and doctor of the Church but also as the patron saint of universities and students. His commemoration takes place on January 28th. Born into nobility in 1226 as the son of Landulph, Count of Aquino, Thomas was entrusted to the Benedictines of Monte Casino at the tender age of five. His early education there left his teachers astounded by his remarkable intelligence and piety, surpassing his peers in both academics and virtue.

As he matured, Thomas made a decisive turn away from worldly pursuits, choosing to embrace a religious life. In 1243, at seventeen, he encountered resistance from his family as he joined the Dominicans of Naples. His family’s relentless efforts to deter him, including the temptation with an impure woman, were futile against his steadfast resolve. Thomas’s unwavering commitment to his vocation was believed to be divinely honored with the gift of perfect chastity, earning him the title of the “Angelic Doctor.”

In his academic journey, Thomas studied under the esteemed St. Albert the Great in Cologne, where, despite his quiet demeanor and imposing stature earning him the moniker “dumb ox,” he shone brightly as a student. By twenty-two, he was already teaching in Cologne and began publishing scholarly works. A move to Paris saw his reputation flourish, and at thirty-one, he achieved his doctorate.

His time in Paris was marked not only by academic achievements but also by his notable association with King St. Louis. His scholarly journey took a significant turn when Urban IV summoned him to Rome in 1261, though Thomas declined any ecclesiastical honors offered to him. Renowned for his prolific writing, Thomas’s works, including the unfinished “Summa Theologica,” fill twenty volumes, distinguished by their intellectual depth and clarity.

Despite being offered high ecclesiastical positions, like the archbishopric of Naples by Clement IV, Thomas remained devoted to his scholarly and preaching missions. His journey concluded at the Cistercian monastery of Fossa Nuova in 1274, where he passed away en route to the second Council of Lyons.

Saint Thomas Aquinas’s theological contributions have left an indelible mark on the Christian doctrine. His canonization in 1323 and the declaration as Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V are testaments to his enduring influence and profound legacy in the realm of religious and philosophical thought.

Editorial credit: Zvonimir Atletic / Shutterstock.com
Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

19 COMMENTS

  1. Please, Saint Thomas Aquinas pray for the health of my family. Especially my 2 year old son Zachary who is ill with a stomach virus, and my mother and father who possibly both have cancer. Please Lord God help us all, help us all be comforted in your mercy, and grant us all eternal life and forgiveness in Heaven with you. Amen.

  2. O God the Father, Thank you for all the blessings, help us to evangelize more couples to join our coming CFC Christian Life Program. Bring down your spirit to them and let them feel how important they are to you God. Lay your hands O Lord to the people suffering from severe pain and sickness. I’m also praying for my family to be together in good health full of love and happiness. Forgive me Lord for I’am a sinner help to me to always make a better decisions. I’am still praying of having a baby. Hear our prayers Lord. Amen.

  3. This will be done by a comparative study of both, listing the drawbacks and advantages of both.
    The group consists of Lauren Mayberry (lead vocals, additional synthesizers),
    Iain Cook (synthesizers, guitar, bass, vocals),
    and Martin Doherty (synthesizers, samplers, vocals). this type
    of bidet also attaches to your existing toilet but as the name implies, is plugged in to an electrical outlet.

  4. St.Thomas great Doctor of the Catholic Church you have taught us well and dwell within its universities as the greatest teacher keep us to remain today in this year of 2017 to be one,holy,catholic and apostolic church forever.

  5. Great St Thomas Aquinas! Through your intercession, may I be filled with Wisdom and strong Faith to discern the ways of the Lord as you did. May the thought and deeds of holiness be my focus in my daily life. Amen!!

  6. O Angelic Doctor St. Thomas, prince of theologians and model of philosophers, bright ornament of the Christian world and light of the Church; O heavenly patron of all Catholic schools, who didst learn wisdom without guile and dost communicate it without envy, intercede for us with the Son of God, Wisdom itself, that the spirit of wisdom may descend upon us, and enable us to understand clearly that which thou hast taught, and fulfill it by imitating thy deeds; to become partakers of that doctrine and virtue which caused thee to shine like the sun on earth; and at last to rejoice with thee forever in their most sweet fruits in heaven, together praising the Divine Wisdom for all eternity. Amen.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here