St. Thomas Aquinas, also known by name as the “Angelic Doctor”, was born in 1224/1225 in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy). St. Thomas was born into a modest family – his father was of Lombard origin, and his mother was Norman. When he was a child, he was placed in the monastery of Monte Cassino near his home as an oblate (prospective monk). In 1239, after nine years of study, St. Thomas was forced to return to his family when the emperor expelled the monks for being too obedient to the pope. Following this, he was sent to study at the University of Napless. During this time, St. Thomas decided to join the new religious order, founded only 30 years earlier, called the Dominicans and was sent for studies at the University of Paris. When St Thomas’ family learned of his decision, his mother had him captured and returned to his parents castle. He was held captive in the castle for one year, where his family tried to keep him from joining the Dominican order. In the year he was held, he tutored his sisters and communicated with members of the Dominican Order. When his mother realized she could not sway her son, she arranged for St. Thomas’ escape. 

Following his escape in 1244, Thomas went to study at the University of Paris. He earned his master’s degree in theology and became and apprentice professor. St. Thomas composed many documents and books during his time in Paris, including one of his famous works, Summa Contra Gentiles (also known as “Book on the Truth of the Catholic Faith against the Errors of the Unbelievers”). Later, in 1265, Thomas was summoned to Rome to serve as the papal theologian. It was here that St. Thomas wrote his most famous work, Suma Theologiae (“Summary of Theology”), which is a compendium of all the main theological teachings of the Catholic Church, intended to be guide for theology students.  Summa Theologiae remained unfinished – in 1273, Thomas was seen to be crying and levitating in prayer before an icon of the crucified Christ at the Dominican convent of Naples. During this prayer, Christ is said to have told him, “You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labour?”, to which Thomas replied, “Nothing but you, Lord”. 

Following this exchange, something happened, but Thomas never wrote or spoke of it. He abandoned his routine, and when begged to return to work, replied, “I cannot, because all that I have written seems like straw to me”. Thomas died on March 7, 1274 after being ill for several days. He was canonized by Pope John XXII on July 18th, 1323. His feast day is January 28th, and he is the patron saint of students, philosophers, and learning.

I have always enjoyed reading the story of St. Thomas Aquinas. At various points in his life, he hit many roadblocks – yet he pushed through them with the strength and courage given to him by God. His dedication to his work and our Lord drove him to share Christ with others through his work and example. His decision to deliberately stop writing his biggest work, Summa Theologiae, is an example of how we as humans cannot comprehend the beauty and awesome power of God. I believe that we as Christians have a duty to learn and study about our Lord, and our learning and knowledge will only enhance our love and dedication to God and his church. 

St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!