St. Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas is arguably the greatest theologian...ever. He was born in 1225 in Italy. When he was five years old, he was sent to live at a Benedictine monastery. His parents hoped that when he was old enough, he would become an abbot. However, when he was sent to Naples for further study, his course began to change. His interest in philosophy grew immensely and then, against his parents’ wishes, he became a Dominican friar. His parents were so dismayed that his mother had him kidnapped by his brothers and then held captive at their home for a year. He experienced great cruelty and his family even attempted to tempt him into sin by sending a prostitute to his room.
Eventually, he escaped and was able to continue his studies and also begin teaching. He taught for many years. Aquinas is most known for his extensive writings, especially the Summa Theologica. This work covered the whole of Catholic theology. Sadly, the work is incomplete. He ceased writing and when asked why he said, “I cannot go on…. All that I have written seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen and what has been revealed to me.”
Aquinas died on March 7, 1274. He is a canonized saint and a doctor of the Church. St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!
