Born around 1226 into the family of Count Aquino, at age 5, Thomas was placed under the care of the Benedictines of Monte Casino. He surpassed all his fellow pupils in learning and in the practice of virtue. St. Thomas chose to enter the Order of St. Dominic despite the opposition of his family. St. Thomas persevered in his vocation despite his family’s severe opposition. They went so far as to send an impure woman to tempt him. His fidelity to God was rewarded with the gift of perfect chastity, which has merited him the title of Angelic Doctor. He studied under St. Albert, the Great. He was nicknamed “Dumb Ox” because of his silent ways and huge size. He was brilliant. At age 22 he was appointed to teach. He also began to publish his first works. He was sent to Paris four years later. He was ordained to the priesthood and received his doctorate at age 31. He dined frequently with the King, St. Louis. Pope Urban IV called him to Rome to teach but he declined to accept any ecclesiastical dignity. He wrote prodigiously and brilliantly. He fell sick on his way to the Second Council of Lyons and died at the Cistercian monastery of Fossa Nuova in 1274. His “Summa Theologica” was left unfinished by his death.
FEAST DAY- January 28
PATRON OF- Scholars, students, publishers
BOOKS & CDS BY BISHOP ROBERT BARRON
Responsorial Psalm
Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Quiz
Yesterday’s Answer-
(c) Solomon
Today’s Question-
Who was the father of the prophets who encountered God in the tiny whispering sound (Kings 19:1-14)
(a) Isaiah (b) Ezekiel (c) Elijah