St. Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas, born around 1225 in Roccasecca near Aquino in Italy, was one of the most influential theologians and philosophers of the Middle Ages. He came from a noble family.

At about the age of five, he was sent to the Benedictine abbey at Monte Cassino, where he began his education. In 1239, Thomas began studying at the University of Naples, where he first encountered the teachings of Aristotle.

In 1244, he joined the Dominican Order, which met with resistance from his family. As a result, he was kidnapped by them and held for a year to make him change his decision, but he remained steadfast in his choice. After his release, he continued his theological studies under Albert the Great in Cologne, and later in Paris. He eventually became a professor of theology at the University of Paris. Throughout his life, he lectured, wrote, and took part in numerous theological debates. His most important works are “Summa Theologica” and “Summa contra Gentiles”.

Thomas died on March 7, 1274, at the Abbey of Fossanova in Italy on his way to the Second Council of Lyon.

In 1323, he was canonized by Pope John XXII, and in 1567 he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V. His teachings remain a foundation of Catholic theology and philosophy to this day.

Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas after Communion