Saint Thomas Aquinas

Biography

Saint Thomas Aquinas, also known as Thomas Aquino, Thomas of Aquino, Angel of the Schools, Angelic Doctor, Doctor Angelicus, Doctor Communis, Great Synthesizer, The Dumb Ox, The Universal Teacher, and Universal Doctor, was born in the family castle in Lombardy near Naples, Italy, around 1225. He was the son of the Count of Aquino. As a young man, Thomas was educated by Benedictine monks at Monte Cassino and later at the University of Naples. However, he secretly joined the mendicant Dominican friars in 1244, which caused his family to become concerned about his chosen path. To dissuade him from his vocation, Thomas' family kidnapped and imprisoned him for a year. They hoped to deprogram him and change his mind, but their efforts were in vain. Despite their attempts, Thomas remained committed to his calling and eventually rejoined his order in 1245. Thomas then continued his studies and journeyed to Paris, France, to study under Saint Albert the Great. He spent the years from 1245 to 1248 in Paris before accompanying Albertus to Cologne, Germany. In 1250, Thomas was ordained as a priest and subsequently returned to Paris to teach. During his time in Paris, Thomas focused on studying and teaching theology at the University of Paris. He became known for his intellectual prowess and dedication to learning. As a writer, he composed defenses of the mendicant orders, commentaries on Aristotle's works, and writings related to the Sentences of Peter Lombard. Typically, Thomas dictated these works to his secretaries. Thomas Aquinas became highly regarded for his teachings and writings, which incorporated Greek wisdom, scholarship methods, and the truths of Christianity. His works systematized the Church's great thoughts and teachings, leaving a lasting impact on Christian theology. Pope Leo VIII decreed that all theology students should study Thomas' teachings. As a result of his significant contributions, Thomas was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1567. Throughout his career, Thomas taught in various Italian cities, gaining recognition and acclaim for his intellectual achievements. He was eventually recalled by the king and university to Paris in 1269. Following this, Thomas was summoned to Naples in 1272 and appointed regent of studies while working on his most famous work, the Summa Theologica. On December 6, 1273, Thomas experienced a profound divine revelation that deeply moved him. He became so enraptured by this experience that he abandoned writing the Summa Theologica. Thomas believed that his previous writings were insignificant compared to the divine glory he had encountered. Unfortunately, his health was already declining due to overwork, and he passed away four months later while en route to the Council of Lyons. He died on March 7, 1274, at the Fossanuova monastery near Terracina, Italy, apparently from natural causes. Saint Thomas Aquinas' works have continued to shape the thinking of the Catholic Church ever since. His writings synthesized philosophy and theology, combining ancient Greek wisdom with Christian truths. As a testament to his influence, Thomas became the patron saint of academics, apologists, scholars, theologians, Catholic schools, and universities. He is also recognized as a patron against storms and lightning. Saint Thomas Aquinas was canonized on July 18, 1323, by Pope John XXII. His relics were initially interred at Saint-Servin in Toulouse, France, but later translated to the Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse on October 22, 1974. His legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a revered intellectual, philosopher, and theologian whose teachings continue to inspire scholars and students alike.