St. Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Confessor & Doctor of the Church

The Angelic Doctor, also known as the Universal Doctor, was born the son of the Count of Aquino, in the Kingdom of Sicily, around the year 1225. He was educated first by the Benedictines at Monte Cassino, then at the University of Naples. Thomas took the Dominican habit in his late teens, but his family disapproved, and took him captive back to their estate where they tried to dissuade him. At one point his brothers paid a prostitute to seduce Thomas, but the saint drove her away with a flaming log, and from then on was blessed with perfect chastity. Finally Thomas was allowed to escape and fulfill his vocation; his prayers and piety would sanctify the rest of his family, including his repentant brothers. He studied under St. Albert the Great, and though his humble silence earned him the nickname “the Dumb Ox” from his fellow students, Thomas went on to establish the preeminent school of thought for the Catholic Church, through works like the Summa Theologica. He also composed the Mass and Office of the feast of Corpus Christi, including the great hymn Pange lingua gloriosi corporis mysterium. Thomas died on March 7th in the year of Our Lord 1274, and is also celebrated on January 28th in the modern calendar.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for March 7th

IN the monastery of Fossanova, near Terracina, St. Thomas of Aquin, confessor and doctor, of the Order of Preachers, illustrious by the nobility of his birth, the sanctity of his life, and his knowledge of theology. Leo XIII declared him heavenly patron of all Catholic schools.

At Tuburbum, in Mauritania (Barbary), in the reign of the emperor Severus, the birthday of the Saints Perpetua and Felicitas, whose festival is kept on the 6th of this month. St. Augustine relates that Felicitas, being with child, her execution was deferred, according to the laws, until after her delivery, and whilst she was in labor she mourned, and when exposed to the beasts, she rejoiced. With them suffered Revocatus, Saturninus, and Secundulus. This last died in
prison; all the others were delivered to the beasts.

At Caesarea, in Palestine, the passion of St. Eubulus, the companion of St. Adrian. Two days after the latter, being mangled by the lions, and killed with the sword, he was the last of all those who received the crown of martyrdom in that city.

At Nicomedia, St. Theophilus, bishop, who was driven into exile for the worship of holy images, and there closed his life.

At Pelusium, in Egypt, St. Paul, bishop, who for the same cause also died an exile.

At Brescia, St. Gaudiosus, bishop and confessor.

In Thebais, St. Paul, surnamed the Simple.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.