Who is St. Thomas Aquinas? (Aquinas 101)

The Thomistic Institute

14 Aug 201903:03

Summary

TLDRSt. 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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Early Life and Education of St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas was born around 1225 in the area around Naples, Italy, into an influential family with nine children. At the age of five, he began his education at the Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino. By the age of 16, he was studying liberal arts at the University of Naples, where he encountered the Dominican Order and decided to join them. Despite his family's initial objections, who had other plans for him, he pursued his vocation and studied in Paris and Cologne under the guidance of St. Albert the Great for 11 years. In 1256, he was recognized as a theologian and started his career as a teacher in various European universities, the Papal Curia, and his own order's convents.

🙏 Spiritual Life and Theological Contributions

St. Thomas Aquinas was known for his deep spirituality and theological insights. He was known to rest his head on the tabernacle in prayer when faced with difficult theological questions. He also had a mystical experience where the Lord commended him for his writings and asked what he would like in return, to which he responded with a desire for nothing but the Lord Himself. His life was marked by a peculiar silence after a profound mystical experience on December 6, 1273, leading him to stop writing, stating that his work was as 'straw' compared to what he had seen. He died on March 7, 1274, while on a journey for the church and was canonized in 1323 for his life of learning and sanctity.

🏆 Legacy and Recognition of St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas is celebrated for his intellectual contributions to the church and is remembered for his purity and chastity. He is considered to have maintained a cherubic innocence throughout his life. Recognized as the 'common doctor' of the church, he is seen as a safe and sure guide who eloquently expresses the church's faith and teachings. His philosophical and theological works have greatly enriched the church's intellectual legacy. For those interested in learning more about St. Thomas Aquinas, resources such as readings, podcasts, and videos are available at Aquinas101.com, where visitors can also sign up for free video courses on his teachings.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas was a renowned theologian and philosopher of the Catholic Church, born around 1225 in the region around Naples. His life and works are central to the video's theme, illustrating his journey from a young student to becoming a prominent figure in the church. The script mentions his education, his joining of the Dominican Order, and his significant contributions to theology and philosophy.

💡Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino

The Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino is a place of religious significance where Aquinas began his studies at the age of five. It represents the early stage of his religious and intellectual development, setting the foundation for his future theological explorations.

💡University of Naples

The University of Naples is where Aquinas pursued a course of liberal arts at the age of 16. This institution played a pivotal role in his intellectual formation, introducing him to the Order of Preachers, which he later joined.

💡Order of Preachers

Also known as the Dominicans, this religious community had a profound impact on Aquinas's life. The video highlights his decision to join their ranks despite his family's objections, indicating his commitment to religious life and learning.

💡St. Albert the Great

St. Albert the Great was a prominent theologian and Aquinas's mentor during his studies in Paris and Cologne. His influence on Aquinas is significant, as it contributed to Aquinas's development as a theologian and philosopher.

💡Theologian

The term 'theologian' defines Aquinas's role as an accredited expert in religious doctrine and teachings. The script notes his accreditation in 1256, marking the beginning of his career as a teacher and his contributions to the field of theology.

💡Papal Curia

The Papal Curia refers to the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the central governing body of the entire Catholic Church. Aquinas's service in the Papal Curia is mentioned in the script, indicating his involvement in the church's governance and theological discussions.

💡Eucharist

The Eucharist is a sacrament in the Catholic Church, representing the body and blood of Christ. The script describes Aquinas's devotion and theological inquiries into the Eucharist, showcasing his deep spiritual engagement with this central Christian mystery.

💡Mystical Experience

A mystical experience is a deep, personal encounter with the divine. The script recounts Aquinas's mystical experience on December 6th, 1273, which led him to cease writing, reflecting a profound impact on his spiritual life.

💡Canonization

Canonization is the process by which the Catholic Church declares a person a saint. The script mentions Aquinas's canonization in 1323, recognizing his life of great learning and sanctity, and solidifying his status as a saint.

💡Common Doctor of the Church

The title 'Common Doctor of the Church' is an honorific given to theologians whose teachings are considered valuable to the entire church. The script highlights this title, emphasizing Aquinas's enduring influence on Catholic doctrine and thought.

💡Chastity

Chastity refers to the state of being pure and virtuous, particularly in matters of sexual conduct. The script notes Aquinas's purity and chastity, suggesting his moral character and commitment to a life of virtue.

💡Aquinas101.com

Aquinas101.com is a resource mentioned in the script for those interested in learning more about St. Thomas Aquinas. It offers readings, podcasts, and video courses, serving as an educational platform related to the video's theme and content.

Highlights

St. Thomas Aquinas was born around 1225 in the region around Naples, into an influential family.

He began his education at the Benedictine Monastery of Montecassino at the age of five.

At 16, he enrolled in the University of Naples to study liberal arts.

He met the Dominican Order and decided to join them despite family objections.

St. Thomas studied in Paris and Cologne under the guidance of St. Albert the Great for 11 years.

In 1256, he was accredited as a theologian and started his teaching career in various European universities.

St. Thomas served in the Papal Curia and his own order's convents.

His holiness was manifested through his actions, such as resting his head on the tabernacle in prayer.

He had a divine encounter where the Lord commended him for his writings.

St. Thomas is known for responding to the Lord's offer with 'Nothing but thyself, O Lord.'

His life ended with a mystical experience that led him to stop writing, considering his work as straw.

St. Thomas died in 1274 while on a journey in service of the church and was canonized in 1323.

He is celebrated for his intellectual legacy, which has greatly enriched the church.

St. Thomas is remembered for his purity, chastity, and cherubic innocence.

He is considered the common doctor of the church, a safe and sure guide in faith and teaching.

For further learning, Aquinas101.com offers free video courses on St. Thomas Aquinas.

Engage with the community by liking, sharing, and signing up for courses on Aquinas101.com.