St. Thomas Aquinas
Angelic Doctor, Doctor of the Church
Feast Day: January 28
Biography
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) is widely regarded as the Catholic Church's greatest theologian and philosopher. Born into a noble Italian family near Naples, he defied their fierce opposition by joining the Dominican Order — his family even imprisoned him for a year to dissuade him. He studied under St. Albert the Great and went on to produce an astonishing body of work, including the Summa Theologiae, the Summa Contra Gentiles, and numerous biblical commentaries. His genius lay in synthesizing Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, creating a comprehensive intellectual framework that remains foundational to Catholic thought. Known as the 'Angelic Doctor' for his purity and brilliance, Thomas possessed both towering intellect and deep personal holiness. He composed beautiful Eucharistic hymns still sung today, including 'Tantum Ergo' and 'Pange Lingua.' Near the end of his life, after a mystical experience during Mass on December 6, 1273, he stopped writing entirely, saying: 'All that I have written seems like straw compared to what has been revealed to me.' He died three months later at age 49. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567 by Pope Pius V.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, true source of light and fountain of wisdom. Pour forth Your brilliance upon my dense intellect, dispel the darkness which covers me — that of sin and of ignorance. Grant me a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself. Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion. This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Thomas Aquinas, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Thomas Aquinas, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.