Who is St. Thomas Aquinas? (Aquinas 101)

Summary

St. Thomas Aquinas, born around 1225 in Naples, was a prominent theologian and philosopher who joined the Dominican Order against his family's wishes. He studied under St. Albert the Great and became a renowned teacher across Europe. Known for his purity and sanctity, he had a mystical experience in 1273 that led him to cease writing, deeming his work as straw compared to divine revelations. Aquinas passed away in 1274 and was canonized in 1323, celebrated for his intellectual contributions to the Church and his eloquent expression of its faith and teachings.

Takeaways

• 📚 St. Thomas Aquinas was a prominent theologian and philosopher born around 1225 in the region around Naples.
• 👶 He was one of nine children, born into an influential family and began his education at the Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino at the age of five.
• 🎓 At the age of 16, he enrolled in the University of Naples to study liberal arts and later joined the Dominican Order against his family's wishes.
• 🧙‍♂️ He studied under St. Albert the Great and was fully accredited as a theologian in 1256, embarking on a teaching career across various European universities and institutions.
• 🌍 St. Thomas served in multiple locations including Cologne, Naples, Orvieto, Rome, and Paris, contributing to the intellectual and spiritual life of the church.
• 🙏 His personal holiness was marked by moments of deep prayer and communion with God, including a mystical experience that led him to cease writing.
• 💬 In a divine encounter, St. Thomas was offered a reward for his writings, to which he responded with a desire for nothing but God's self.
• 📖 His writings are considered profound and foundational to the church's understanding of faith and doctrine, earning him the title of 'common doctor of the church'.
• 🕊️ St. Thomas is remembered for his purity, chastity, and a cherubic innocence that he maintained throughout his life.
• 🏆 He was canonized in 1323 for his life of great learning and sanctity, and his intellectual legacy continues to enrich the church.
• 📚 For further exploration of St. Thomas's life and works, Aquinas101.com offers resources including readings, podcasts, and free video courses.

Q & A

Where and when was St. Thomas Aquinas born?

St. Thomas Aquinas was born around 1225 in the region around Naples.

What significant event occurred in St. Thomas Aquinas' life when he was five years old?

At the age of five, St. Thomas Aquinas went to live and study at the nearby Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino.

What religious community did St. Thomas Aquinas meet at the University of Naples, and what was his decision regarding it?

St. Thomas Aquinas met the Order of Preachers, or Dominicans, at the University of Naples and decided to join their ranks.

Which influential figure did St. Thomas Aquinas study under in Paris and Cologne?

St. Thomas Aquinas studied under St. Albert the Great, a leading figure of the Middle Ages.

In what year was St. Thomas Aquinas fully accredited as a theologian, and what did he do afterward?

In 1256, St. Thomas Aquinas was fully accredited as a theologian and began his career as a teacher, serving in various European universities, the Papal Curia, and his own order's convents.

What is known about St. Thomas Aquinas' personal holiness?

St. Thomas Aquinas' holiness is described as hidden but beautiful, with instances of him resting his head on the tabernacle in supplication and having a mystical experience that led him to stop writing.

What did the Lord reportedly say to St. Thomas Aquinas, and how did he respond?

The Lord reportedly appeared to St. Thomas Aquinas and asked, 'Well, you have written of me, Thomas. What would you have in return?' to which St. Thomas responded, 'Nothing but thyself, O Lord. Nothing but thyself.'

How did St. Thomas Aquinas' life end, and what did he say about his own writings after a mystical experience?

St. Thomas Aquinas' life ended in a peculiar silence after a mystical experience on December 6th, 1273, which led him to set down his pens, saying, 'Compared to what I have seen, everything I have written is as so much straw.'

On what date did St. Thomas Aquinas die, and what was the context of his journey at the time?

St. Thomas Aquinas died on March 7th, 1274, while on a journey in service of the universal church.

What recognition did St. Thomas Aquinas receive in 1323, and why was he honored?

St. Thomas Aquinas was canonized in 1323 in recognition of his life of great learning and sanctity.

Why is St. Thomas Aquinas especially well known and remembered in the Church?

St. Thomas Aquinas is especially well known and remembered for the wisdom demonstrated in his philosophical and theological works, which have enriched the Church almost beyond compare.

What personal qualities of St. Thomas Aquinas are also remembered, and why?

St. Thomas Aquinas is remembered for his purity and chastity, possessing them to perfection, and maintaining a cherubic innocence throughout his life.

What title is given to St. Thomas Aquinas in the Church, and what does it signify?

St. Thomas Aquinas is regarded as the common doctor of the Church, signifying that he is a safe and sure guide who gives eloquent expression to the Church's faith and teaching.

What website is mentioned for further readings, podcasts, and videos about St. Thomas Aquinas?

Aquinas101.com is mentioned as a resource for further readings, podcasts, and videos about St. Thomas Aquinas.