Today is the Feast day of St Thomas Aquinas. He was a brilliant theologian renowned for his incredible work, the Summa Theologica. Like every saint, he had such an incredible devotion to God and led an interesting life. Today let’s take a look at some of the highlights.
Early Life of St Thomas
St Thomas’s parents were Landulph and Theodora and he was the youngest of mine children. Landulph was the count of Aquino and Theodora was the countess of Teano, so St Thomas’s family was very well off.
He was sent to the Abbey of Monte Casino, according to the tradition at that time. He trained with Benedictine monks at 5 yrs old and remained there until he was 13 years old. At this time a conflict between the nations in that area forced him to return to Naples for his safety.
St Thomas completed his education over the next 5 yrs at with Benedictine monks in Naples. He studied Aristotle during this time, which would be very influential in his own works on metaphysics and philosophy. Also during this time he developed an interest in the monastic orders.
Joining the Dominican Order
In 1243, St Thomas secretly joined the Dominican Order of Preachers. He received his habit in 1244. His family was not happy when they found out. They wanted him to join the more prestigious Benedictine Order, which would have brought more honor to their family in their eyes. They hatched a plan to get him out of the Dominicans, which at the time was very new and not well known.
Life in Captivity
St Thomas was kidnapped by his brothers, and held in captivity in their fortress at San Giovanni. His entire family tried to discourage him from his calling to the Dominicans. They even hired a prostitute in an attempt to attack his virtue. But when they pushed the young woman into his chambers, he chased her out with a brand he pulled from the fireplace. With his hot brand in hand, he traced a cross on his door and prayed earnestly to Our Lord for integrity in his mind and body. Angels appeared to him that night in a dream, giving him a white girdle of perpetual virginity.
He remained in captivity for about two years. He continued his studies with the help of his sister who procured scriptures and books for him. Eventually his mother realizes that his calling was in fact to be a Dominican Priest, and they could not deter him from it. She arranged for St Thomas to “escape” from captivity, so the family could retain their honor.
St Thomas the Philosopher
After his escape, St Thomas immediately pronounced his vows as a Dominican friar. In 1244 or 1245, he was placed under the tutelage of St Albert the Great. Here he received his doctorate in theology. He also received a nickname from his classmates, who called him the “dumb ox,” due to his quiet demeanor and modesty. St Albert explained to these students that one day he would bellow loud enough for the whole world to hear.
From this time, St Thomas prayed, studied, preached, and taught. He refuted this idea that Faith and Reason oppose each other, and showed that in fact they compliment each other. St Thomas believed that Faith strengthened reason and vice versa. He wrote the very famous Summa Theologica, Summa Contra Gentiles, and many other works that have impacted theology in the Catholic Church. He showed how someone could reason that God must exist in his 5 Ways. Popes wanted to speak with him, and he was invited to kingly courts. He surpassed his teacher St Albert in fame and recognition. His works are still used today by theologians, and he is regarded as the greatest Doctor of the Church. He also earned the title of Angelic Doctor, because of his works on the angels.
Later Life and Death
In 1273, St Thomas witnessed a vision from Our Lord. A crucifix spoke to him and said, “Thou hast written well of me, Thomas; what reward wilt thou have?” And St Thomas replied, “None other than thyself, Lord.” He had many visions and ecstacys before and after this event as well. He often had mystical experiences with Our Lord. After his vision on December 6th 1273, he decided to write no more, stating, “such secrets have been revealed to me that all I have written now appears to be of little value.”
In March 1274, he started traveling to Lyon to serve on the Second Council. On the road to Lyon is where he met his end. He became sick, and stayed at a Cistercian Monastery in Fossanova, Italy. He died within the monastery, rather than being transported elsewhere, because he knew his end was near and he wanted to die surrounded by monks in a religious house.
What can we learn from St Thomas?
St Thomas wasn’t just a brilliant scholar, but a devoutly religious friar. He devoted his entire life to Jesus, as evidenced by his words “none other than thyself, Lord.” How often do we want something in return for good deeds and services. St Thomas studied and taught constantly all for Our Lord.
He also showed incredible resolve in the face of temptation and oppression. He chased a prostitute out of his room rather than be tempted. St Thomas never waivered in what he knew God called him to, even when locked in a fortress for 2 years.
We can also learn that Faith and Reason are not conflicted at all. This saint lived both. A renowned philosopher, frequently in his books reading and writing, and also a devout man, so dedicated to his Faith he was receiving mystical visions.
And of course, we have so much to learn from St Thomas in his writings. Most of his works are still around today and are still regarded as the gold standard in Catholic theology. So pick up some of his writings and start learning!