Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor

Today we remember one of the greatest figures in Catholic theology: Saint Thomas Aquinas . Born in the castle of Roccasecca, in the south of Lazio, in 1225, Tomás was a member of a noble family that provided him with excellent training. Since he was a child, at the age of five, he revealed a curious spirit when he heard the monks singing and asked the question: “Who is God?”

Choice of Vocation

His father's wish was for Tomás to become abbot of the monastery of Montecassino, but giving up ambition and power, he chose the vocation of a Dominican friar. The life of holiness of Saint Thomas Aquinas was characterized by the effort to respond, inspiredly for himself, for the Gentiles and for everyone, about the Mysteries of God.

Faced with family opposition, mainly from his mother, the countess, Tomás secretly traveled to Rome, at the age of 19, to a Dominican monastery. Despite his arrest and detention, it did nothing to divert him from his vocation.

Life of Studies and Preaching

Sent to Paris to study theology, Thomas became a disciple of master Alberto Magno. He also studied the works of Aristotle and developed his thesis on Aristotelianism. In addition, he was an official preacher, teacher and consultant for the Order.

Work of Saint Thomas Aquinas

During his life, Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote several works, including the “Summa theologiae” (Sum Theology), divided into five parts, where he demonstrated the existence of God. He also participated in the Council at the request of Pope Gregory X, and was commissioned by Pope Urban IV to compose the liturgical texts for the feast of Corpus Christi.

Canonization of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas was canonized on July 18, 1323, by Pope John XXII. On January 28, 1567, he received the title of Doctor of the Church from Pope Pius V, and began to be called the Angelic Doctor (Doctor Angelicus) by the clerics. He left the testimony and, practically, the synthesis of Catholic thought to the entire Church.

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a great example of dedication to his vocation and spirituality, who left a legacy of wisdom and faith for the Catholic Church.

References:
– http://www.catho.org/santo-tomas-de-aquino.html
– https://www.santopedia.com.br/sao-tomas-de-aquino/