St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas was born around 1225 in the castle of Roccasecca, near Aquino, Italy, to Count Landulf of Aquino and Theodora of Teano. He was the youngest of several children in a noble family. From an early age, Thomas showed exceptional intelligence and a deep desire for learning. At the age of five, he was sent to the Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino for his education, where he remained until he was about thirteen years old. During this time, he developed a love for prayer and study, and the monks recognized his potential for greatness.

In 1239, Thomas was sent to the University of Naples to continue his studies. It was there that he first encountered the Dominican friars and was deeply impressed by their way of life, particularly their commitment to poverty, preaching, and study. Despite strong opposition from his family, who wanted him to become a Benedictine abbot, Thomas joined the Dominican Order in 1244 at the age of nineteen. His family was so opposed to this decision that they had him kidnapped and held prisoner in the family castle for over a year, hoping to change his mind. However, Thomas remained steadfast in his vocation, and eventually his family relented and allowed him to continue his studies.

After his release, Thomas was sent to Paris to study under St. Albert the Great, one of the most brilliant minds of the time. Albert quickly recognized Thomas's extraordinary intellectual abilities and became his mentor. Thomas's studies included philosophy, theology, and the newly rediscovered works of Aristotle, which were having a profound impact on medieval thought. Thomas's ability to integrate Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology would become one of his greatest contributions to the Church. He was ordained a priest in 1250 and began teaching at the University of Paris in 1252.

Thomas's teaching career was marked by controversy, as some theologians were suspicious of his use of Aristotelian philosophy. However, his brilliance and orthodoxy eventually won him widespread recognition and respect. In 1256, he received his doctorate in theology and was appointed a professor at the University of Paris. Over the next twenty years, Thomas would write some of the most important works in the history of Christian theology, including the "Summa Theologica," his masterpiece, which remains one of the most comprehensive and systematic presentations of Catholic doctrine ever written. He also wrote commentaries on Scripture, philosophical works, and numerous other theological treatises.

In 1272, Thomas was called to Naples to establish a new Dominican house of studies. It was during this time that he experienced a profound mystical experience while celebrating Mass on December 6, 1273. After this experience, he stopped writing, saying that all he had written seemed like "straw" compared to what he had seen. Thomas died on March 7, 1274, at the age of forty-nine, while traveling to the Second Council of Lyon. His last words were a commentary on the Song of Songs. Thomas was canonized in 1323 by Pope John XXII and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567 by Pope Pius V. He is known as the "Angelic Doctor" for his purity of life and the clarity of his teaching, and his feast day is celebrated on January 28th.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Thomas Aquinas is celebrated on January 28th, during the winter season when the Church reflects on the themes of wisdom and learning. This feast is celebrated as a memorial in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing Thomas's importance as a Doctor of the Church and his contribution to Catholic theology and philosophy. The feast falls during a time when many students are beginning new academic terms, making it an ideal time to reflect on the importance of education and the pursuit of truth. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Thomas's memory and to reflect on the relationship between faith and reason, and the importance of using our intellectual gifts in service of God and others.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor his memory and seek his intercession. Churches, particularly those associated with the Dominican Order, hold special Masses and services. Many educational institutions, especially Catholic schools and universities, hold special events to honor Thomas's contribution to education and learning. The day is also marked by prayers for students, teachers, and all those involved in education, asking for St. Thomas's intercession in helping them to pursue truth and wisdom. Many people also take time to read and reflect on Thomas's writings, particularly his prayers and spiritual reflections. The feast is also a time to reflect on the importance of integrating faith and reason in our lives and in our educational pursuits.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of wisdom and the ability to integrate faith and reason in our lives. Many people make special petitions for students and teachers, asking for St. Thomas's intercession in helping them to pursue truth and to use their knowledge for the glory of God. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of study and learning as a form of prayer and service to God. St. Thomas's feast day encourages us to remember that all truth comes from God and that the pursuit of knowledge can be a path to holiness. It is also a time to pray for the humility to recognize the limits of human knowledge and to remain open to the mysteries of faith.