ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 

Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 in the castle of Roccasecca, not far from Montecassino in Italy. As his parents were wealthy, Thomas might have lived in luxury and ease, but he did not desire these things. He loved God so much that he put aside the pleasures of the worlds and followed Christ in poverty and service.

He became a Dominican friar, studied under St. Albert the Great, and taught in universities in Cologne, Bologna, and Paris.

Thomas has been called the Church’s most outstanding writer and teacher of philosophy and theology. Yet the Church did not canonize him because of his great mind. Thomas is a saint because of his holiness of life and his love for the Truth and his great generosity in offering it to others. Matter and spirit, the natural and supernatural, reason and faith, freedom and grace entered into his vision in perfect harmony.

He died on the way to the Council of Lyons in 1274.

Thomas was canonized in 1323 and declared a Doctor (Teacher) of the Church in 1567.

Pope Leo XIII proclaimed him Patron of Catholic Schools, Students and Scholars.

The Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas is celebrated on January 28.

Prayer Written by St. Thomas Aquinas