Vatican, 28 January, 2024 / 11:22 am (ACI Africa).
Every Jan. 28, the Church celebrates St. Thomas Aquinas — doctor of the Church, patron saint of students, distinguished philosopher and theologian, and author of the monumental “Summa Theologica.”
St. Thomas holds several titles: “angelic doctor,” “common doctor,” and “doctor of humanity” — nicknames tradition has given him that reflect the magnitude of his thought and the impact of his work. Today, he remains a point of reference for those who study philosophy and theology and anyone who wishes to be well-grounded in the classical western tradition.
Thomas’ thought, moved by an authentic love for truth, is characterized by his keen and penetrating spirit. As a result, his work lay the foundations of what we understand today as “theological science” or “systematic theology,” marking forever the path that would follow the dialogue and exchange between faith and reason, belief and knowledge, theology and philosophy.
Friend of truth
Thomas Aquinas was born in Roccasecca, near Aquinas, Naples, in 1225. He did his early studies with the monks of the Benedictine monastery of Montecassino, located near the castle belonging to his parents. He went to study at the University of Naples, where he stood out for his sharp intelligence.