Thomas was born in 1225 to a noble family near Naples, and against his family's wishes — who reportedly held him captive for nearly a year trying to dissuade him — joined the newly founded Dominican Order rather than pursuing a more prestigious position in an established monastery. He studied under Albert the Great in Paris and Cologne, and went on to teach theology at the University of Paris.
His major work, the "Summa Theologica," attempted a comprehensive synthesis of Christian theology and Aristotelian philosophy, and became a foundational text of Catholic thought, still studied today. Toward the end of his life, after a profound mystical experience during Mass, he reportedly said his writings seemed like "straw" compared to what he had glimpsed, and he left the Summa unfinished.
Saint Thomas Aquinas
The Angelic Doctor
An Italian Dominican friar whose Summa Theologica became one of the most influential works of Christian theology ever written.
- Born
- 1225
- Died
- 1274
- Birthplace
- Roccasecca, Italy
- Died in
- Fossanova Abbey, Italy
- Country
- Italy
- Canonised
- 1323-07-18
- Century
- 13th century
Why People Pray to Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Thomas Aquinas is invoked by students, teachers, and theologians, and by anyone seeking to reconcile faith with reason and study.
