Story of Saint Thomas Aquinas | Stories of Saints

Summary

The video script celebrates Saint Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century theologian renowned for harmonizing Catholic faith with philosophy and knowledge. Born in Italy, he joined the Dominicans against his family's wishes, endured trials, and became a revered teacher and writer. Aquinas' scholasticism, advocating the coexistence of faith and reason, influenced medieval thought profoundly. His 'Five Ways' to prove God's existence and contributions to theology and ethics left a lasting impact, with his works, including 'Summa Theologiae,' still studied today. The video also highlights his mystical experiences and untimely death, reflecting his enduring legacy as the 'Universal Teacher.'

Takeaways

• 📜 Saint Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century theologian, showed the Catholic faith's harmony with philosophy and other knowledge.
• 🏰 Born around 1225 in Roca Secca, Italy, Thomas was the son of Landolf, Count of Aquino, and Theodora, a countess.
• 🔮 A holy hermit predicted Thomas would join the Friars Preachers and achieve great sanctity.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Thomas, the youngest of nine siblings, was sent to the Abbey of Monte Cassino at age five for education.
• 🎓 He began theological studies at the University of Naples in 1239, influenced by Aristotle, Avicenna, and Maimonides.
• ✝️ Thomas joined the Dominican Order, which focused on preaching and teaching, despite his family's objections.
• 🔥 Thomas resisted a family attempt to sway him from his religious path, even driving away a prostitute sent to tempt him.
• 🎓 Under Saint Albert the Great, Thomas earned his doctorate in theology and was nicknamed 'the Dumb Ox' for his quiet nature.
• 📚 Thomas combined traditional theology with modern philosophy, promoting the harmony of faith and reason, known as scholasticism.
• 🙏 In 1273, Thomas experienced a divine vision and ceased writing, stating that all his work seemed like straw compared to what he had seen.

Q & A

Who is Saint Thomas Aquinas and what is his significance in the Roman Catholic Church?

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a 13th-century theologian celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church for showing that the Catholic faith is in harmony with philosophy and all other branches of knowledge.

When and where was Saint Thomas Aquinas born?

Saint Thomas Aquinas was born circa 1225 in Roca Seca, Italy, near Aquino Terra di Lavoro in the Kingdom of Sicily.

What was the prediction made by a holy hermit to Saint Thomas Aquinas' mother before his birth?

The holy hermit foretold that Saint Thomas Aquinas would enter the Order of Friar Preachers, become a great scholar, and achieve unequaled sanctity.

At what age was Saint Thomas Aquinas sent to the Abbey of Monte Casino and why?

He was sent to the Abbey of Monte Casino at the age of five to train among Benedictine monks, following the tradition of the period.

Why did Saint Thomas Aquinas have to leave the Abbey of Monte Casino?

He had to leave the Abbey of Monte Casino at the age of 13 due to the changing political climate that forced him to return to Naples.

What philosophical influences did Saint Thomas Aquinas encounter at the University of Naples?

At the University of Naples, Saint Thomas Aquinas was introduced to the philosophical influences of Aristotle, Averroes, and Maimonides.

Why did Saint Thomas Aquinas' family initially disapprove of his decision to join the Order of Preachers?

His parents were not pleased with his decision to join the Order of Preachers, which was a new evangelical movement, and they tried to dissuade him from this path.

What significant event occurred during Saint Thomas Aquinas' house arrest that demonstrated his commitment to celibacy?

When a prostitute was sent into his room by his family to test his resolve, Saint Thomas Aquinas drove her off with a fire iron and traced a black cross on the door, showing his commitment to celibacy.

What did Saint Thomas Aquinas achieve under the tutelage of Saint Albert the Great at the University of Paris?

Under the guidance of Saint Albert the Great, Saint Thomas Aquinas earned his doctorate in theology and later became a renowned teacher and theologian.

What is the significance of Scholasticism in Saint Thomas Aquinas' work and how did he contribute to it?

Scholasticism is a theory that integrates faith and reason, and Saint Thomas Aquinas popularized this theory through his work, arguing that both kinds of knowledge come from God.

What are the five ways Saint Thomas Aquinas believed one could prove the existence of God?

Saint Thomas Aquinas proposed five ways to prove the existence of God, including understanding cause and effect, the necessity of a first mover, the existence of contingent beings, the gradation of perfection, and the teleological argument.

Why did Saint Thomas Aquinas stop writing after his experience in 1273?

After a profound spiritual experience in which Christ told him he had written well, Saint Thomas Aquinas felt that all his previous writings were insignificant, and he refused to write anymore.

How did Saint Thomas Aquinas pass away and when?

Saint Thomas Aquinas fell ill at the Cistercian monastery of Fossanova, Italy, and passed away on March 7, 1274.

Why was Saint Thomas Aquinas' feast day changed from March 7th to January 28th?

His original feast day, March 7th, often fell within the Lenten season. In 1969, a revision of the Roman calendar moved his feast day to January 28th to avoid this conflict.

What impact did Saint Thomas Aquinas' aesthetic theories have on later literary figures?

Saint Thomas Aquinas' aesthetic theories, such as the concept of claritas, deeply influenced the literary writings of James Joyce and Italian semiotician Umberto Eco.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Life and Early Education of Saint Thomas Aquinas

This paragraph introduces Saint Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century theologian renowned for harmonizing Catholic faith with philosophy and knowledge. Born in Italy around 1225, Thomas was the youngest of nine children in a noble family with royal lineage. At the age of five, he began his education at the Abbey of Monte Casino with Benedictine monks. Political unrest led to his relocation to Naples at the age of 13. Thomas commenced his theological studies at the University of Naples in 1239, where he was influenced by Aristotle, Averroes, and Maimonides. His encounter with Dominican preacher John of Saint Julian led to his joining the Order of Preachers, despite his family's disapproval. Thomas's commitment to the Dominicans was tested but ultimately affirmed through a series of trials, including a house arrest and a visit from a prostitute, which he repelled, solidifying his vow of celibacy. He later studied at the University of Paris under the guidance of the scholar Albertus Magnus, earning his doctorate in theology. Despite initial skepticism from his peers, Thomas's brilliance was recognized by Albertus, who foresaw his significant impact on doctrine.

05:00

🙏 Theological Contributions and Influence of Saint Thomas Aquinas

In this paragraph, Thomas Aquinas's journey as a priest and theologian is detailed. Ordained in the middle of the century, he was known for his reverence for liturgy and his skills as a homilist. His works addressed the intellectual struggles of the medieval era, blending theology with philosophy, a movement known as scholasticism. Thomas proposed that faith and reason could coexist, as both were divine gifts. He famously outlined five ways to prove God's existence, emphasizing cause and effect, movement, and human intelligence as evidence of God's omnipotence. His belief in moral and legal adherence for heavenly admission was influential among his followers. Thomas authored significant works such as 'Summa Theologiae' and 'De Aeternitate Mundi,' and he established a university in Naples, serving as a regent master. In 1273, he is said to have had a profound spiritual experience, after which he ceased writing, considering his work insignificant compared to divine revelation. His health declined in 1274 during a journey to France, and he passed away at the Cistercian monastery of Fossa Nova on March 7. His feast day was moved to January 28 to avoid the Lenten season. Thomas Aquinas's writings continue to be relevant, influencing literary figures like James Joyce and Umberto Eco, and he is often depicted with an open book or quill, symbolizing his scholarly legacy.

10:05

🎵 Musical Interlude

This paragraph is a placeholder for a musical interlude, providing a break in the narrative without any specific content to summarize. It serves as an auditory transition between the sections of the video script.

Keywords

💡Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a 13th-century theologian and philosopher who is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church for his work in reconciling faith with reason and philosophy. His contributions to theology and philosophy are central to the video's theme, highlighting his role in showing that Catholic faith is in harmony with all branches of knowledge. The script mentions his birth, education, and significant theological works, such as the 'Summa Theologiae'.

💡Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian church, which celebrates various saints, including Saint Thomas Aquinas, on specific feast days. In the context of the video, the Church's recognition of Aquinas's contributions to theology and philosophy is highlighted, emphasizing the harmony between faith and reason within the Catholic tradition.

💡Theology

Theology is the study of the nature of God and religious beliefs. In the video, Saint Thomas Aquinas's theological studies are a key part of his narrative, as he is shown to integrate theology with philosophy, leading to the development of scholasticism and influential works like 'Summa Theologiae'.

💡Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and language. The video emphasizes Aquinas's work in showing the harmony between philosophy and the Catholic faith, as he used philosophical methods to explore and explain theological concepts.

💡Scholasticism

Scholasticism is a method of learning in medieval Europe that sought to reconcile Christian theology with classical philosophy. The video describes Aquinas as a key figure in the development of scholasticism, using reason to understand and explain faith, and proving the existence of God through logical arguments.

💡Order of Friar's Preachers

The Order of Friar's Preachers, also known as the Dominican Order, is a religious order founded by Saint Dominic de Guzman. The video mentions Aquinas's decision to join this order, which emphasized preaching and teaching, and how it influenced his life and work as a theologian and philosopher.

💡University of Naples

The University of Naples is where Saint Thomas Aquinas began his theological studies, as mentioned in the script. It is significant in his educational journey, as it is believed to be where he was introduced to the philosophical influences of Aristotle, Averroes, and Maimonides.

💡Saint Albert the Great

Saint Albert the Great was a Dominican scholar and the chair of theology at the University of Paris. In the video, he is portrayed as Aquinas's mentor, under whose tutelage Aquinas earned his doctorate in theology. His recognition of Aquinas's brilliance is a key moment in the narrative.

💡Summa Theologiae

Summa Theologiae is one of Saint Thomas Aquinas's most famous works, an extensive summary of Catholic theology. The video highlights this work as a testament to Aquinas's intellectual prowess and his ability to synthesize faith and reason in a comprehensive theological framework.

💡Cistercian Monastery of Fossa Nova

The Cistercian Monastery of Fossa Nova is where Saint Thomas Aquinas fell ill and eventually died, as depicted in the video. It is significant as the location where Aquinas is believed to have had a profound spiritual experience and stopped writing, reflecting on the insignificance of his works in comparison to divine truth.

💡Claritas

Claritas is an aesthetic theory developed by Saint Thomas Aquinas, which refers to the clarity and luminosity of an artwork or literary work. The video mentions its influence on literary figures like James Joyce and Umberto Eco, showing the enduring impact of Aquinas's thought beyond theology and philosophy.

Highlights

Saint Thomas Aquinas is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church for showing harmony between Catholic faith and philosophy.

Born in 1225, Thomas Aquinas came from a noble lineage, including relatives who were emperors.

A holy hermit predicted Thomas would join the Order of Friars Preachers and achieve sanctity.

Thomas Aquinas was sent to the Abbey of Monte Casino at the age of five for training among Benedictine monks.

Political climate forced Thomas to return to Naples at the age of 13.

Thomas began theological studies at the University of Naples in 1239, where he was influenced by Aristotle, Averroes, and Maimonides.

He joined the Order of Preachers, or Dominicans, emphasizing preaching and teaching.

Thomas's family initially disapproved of his decision to join the Dominicans, leading to house arrest.

A story tells of Thomas driving off a prostitute with a fire iron, showing his commitment to celibacy.

Thomas earned his doctorate in theology under the guidance of Saint Albert the Great.

Initially thought of as dimwitted, Thomas's brilliance was recognized by Saint Albert the Great.

Thomas Aquinas taught alongside his mentor at the University of Cologne by the age of 23.

Thomas devoted his life to writing, teaching, public speaking, and preaching.

He was ordained a priest, showing reverence for the liturgy and skill as a homilist.

Thomas's theories, known as Scholasticism, argued that faith and reason could coexist.

He proposed five ways to prove God's existence, including understanding cause and effect and movement originating from God.

Thomas believed in the power of God and the importance of moral and government laws for earning heaven.

Thomas Aquinas was influential during his life and for centuries after his death.

He wrote his most famous works, 'Summa Theologiae' and 'De Veritate', establishing the University of Naples.

In 1273, Thomas had a profound spiritual experience, after which he stopped writing, considering his work as 'straw'.

Thomas Aquinas died on March 7, 1274, and is known as the Universal Teacher.

His feast day was moved to January 28th due to its proximity to Lent.

Thomas Aquinas's writings continue to be debated and have influenced literary figures like James Joyce and Umberto Eco.

Transcripts

[Music]

saints

[Music]

on january 28th the roman catholic

church celebrates saint thomas aquinas

the 13th century theologian who showed

the catholic faith is in harmony with

philosophy and all other branches of

knowledge

the son of landolf count of aquino saint

thomas aquinas was born circa 1225 in

roca seca italy near aquino terra di

lavoro in the kingdom of sicily

his mother theodora was a countess of

tejano

thomas's family members were descendants

of emperors frederick the first and

henry vi

before saint thomas aquinas was born a

holy hermit shared a prediction with his

mother

foretelling that her son would enter the

order of friar's preachers become a

great learner and achieve unequaled

sanctity

thomas had eight siblings and he was the

youngest child

following the tradition of the period

saint thomas aquinas was sent to the

abbey of monte casino to train among

benedictine monks when he was just five

years old

saint thomas aquinas remained at the

monastery until he was 13 years old when

the political climate forced him to

return to naples

[Music]

thomas began his theological studies at

the university of naples in the fall of

1239

it is believed that thomas was

introduced to his philosophical

influences

aristotle avaros and maimonides at the

university

where he also met john of saint julian a

dominican preacher who influenced him

greatly

thomas soon joined a new religious order

known as the order of preachers or the

dominicans after their founder saint

dominic de guzman an order which placed

an emphasis on preaching and teaching

thomas's parents were none too pleased

with his decision to join this new

evangelical movement

in order to talk some sense into him

thomas's mother sent his brothers to

bring him to the family

having resisted his family's wishes he

was placed under house arrest

a famous story has it that one day his

family members sent a prostitute into

the room where thomas was being held

prisoner

but thomas drove her off with a fire

iron

as the door slammed shut behind her he

traced a black cross on the door

that night two angels appeared to him in

a dream and strengthened his resolve to

remain celibate

eventually thomas's mother relented and

he returned to the dominicans in the

fall

thomas went to study at the faculty of

the arts at the university of paris

where he is believed to have met

dominican scholar albertus mangus the

chair of theology who was later

canonized as a saint by the church

under the tutelage of saint albert the

great thomas subsequently earned his

doctorate in theology

thomas was quiet and seldom spoke at the

university leading other students to

believe he was dimwitted

they started calling him the dumb ox

after reading thomas's thesis and

thinking it was brilliant his professor

saint albert the great proclaimed

we call this young man a dumb ox

but his bellowing in doctrine will one

day resound throughout the world

by the time he was 23 thomas was

teaching alongside his mentor at the

university of cologne

after completing his education saint

thomas aquinas devoted himself to a life

of traveling writing

teaching public speaking and preaching

around the middle of the century thomas

was ordained to the priesthood in which

he showed great reverence for the

liturgy and skill as a homilist

religious institutions and universities

alike yearned to benefit from the wisdom

of the christian apostle

combining traditional principles of

theology with modern philosophic thought

thomas's treaties touched upon the

questions and struggles of medieval

intellectuals church authorities and

everyday people alike

thomas believed that people could have

both faith and reason and said that both

kinds of knowledge came from god so it

was all right to have both

this theory is called scholasticism and

his work popularized this theory

he believed that people could prove that

god existed in five ways

including understanding that cause and

effect was all under god's control

all movement in the world came from god

and that human intelligence was a gift

from god

he also believed that god was

all-powerful and that people could earn

admission into heaven by abiding to

moral and government laws

he had lots of followers and people who

agreed with him so he was very

influential both while he was alive and

for centuries after his death

thomas continued to teach and write till

1272

and it was during this time that he

wrote his most famous works summa

theology and divertudibus and d

eternitate mundi he later established

the university in naples and took the

regent master post

[Music]

in 1273 thomas was seen by the secristen

to be crying and levitating in prayer

before an icon of the crucified christ

at the dominican convent of naples in

the chapel of saint nicholas

during this prayer christ is said to

have told him

you have written well of me thomas

what reward would you have for your

labor

thomas replied nothing but you lord

following this exchange something

happened but thomas never wrote or spoke

of it

thomas refused to write anymore

when begged to return to work he replied

i cannot

because all that i have written seems

like straw to me

in january 1274

saint thomas aquinas embarked on a trip

to lyon france on foot to serve on the

second council but he never made it to

his destination

along the way he fell ill at the

cistercian monastery of fossa nova italy

the monks wanted saint thomas aquinas to

stay at the castle

but sensing that his death was near

thomas preferred to remain at the

monastery saying if the lord wishes to

take me away it is better that i be

found in a religious house than in the

dwelling of a layperson

often called the universal teacher

saint thomas aquinas died at the

monastery of fossenova on march 7

1274.

his original feast day was march 7th the

day of his death but because the date

often falls within lent in 1969

a revision of the roman calendar changed

his feast day to january 28th

saint thomas's comments and

philosophical writings are still debated

today

and his aesthetic theories such as the

concept of claritas deeply influenced

the literary writings of james joyce and

italian semiotician umberto echo

st thomas is often depicted with an open

book or writing with a quill

hello viewers sorry for interrupting the

video i just wanted to take a moment to

request you to pray for us and donate if

you can if you can donate just five

dollars christian kids tv can keep

making more videos like this

if you are not in a position to donate

then do pray for us in fact prayer

support is very important to our mission

thanks for your time and we hope you

enjoy the video

[Music]

saints

[Music]