Patron of the University of Santo Tomás
Patron of the UST Faculty of Sacred Theology
Feast Day: January 28
The revered Angelic Doctor of the Church, Saint Thomas Aquinas, is famous for his magnum opus, the Summa Theologica.
His legacy has left such a profound impact that educational institutions have been named after him, including the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila, the Catholic University of the Philippines.
Thomas was born into a noble family who hailed from Aquino between 1224/1225 in Castello di Roccasecca in the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.
Educated under the Benedictine Rule from 1230-1239, he studied in the Abbazia di Montecassino. Inspired by the religious life, he had his Vestition in Covento di s. Domenico Maggiore, Naples, on May 24, 1244. He took his novitiate two years after in the Couvent de St.-Jacques or the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Paris, some time between 1247-1248.
Finally, he was ordained into the Order of Preachers in Dominikanerkloster Heilig Kreuz, Cologne, around 1251.
Thomas’ scholarship was staggering. Apart from the Summa Theologica, he wrote nine exegeses of Scriptural books, two famous prayers, five expert opinions or responsa, nine treatises in the form of academic disputations, eight philosophical treatises, and five polemical works, among others.
Thomas died on March 7, 1274 due to severe brain hemorrhage. His death represented a profound loss to the Catholic Church. No less than his teacher, the would-be Saint Albert the Great (Albertus Magnus) expressed sorrow at the loss of a profound theologian.
In recognition of his contributions and unwavering faith, Thomas was canonized by Pope John XXII on July 18, 1323. He is the patron saint of Catholic academies, schools, colleges, and universities.
Source:
- Aureada, J.A.E. (2009). An Angelic Mina in a Human Face: St. Thomas Aquinas, His Life in Visuals. Manila, Philippines: UST Publishing House.
