SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS

Image of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Dominican priest and Doctor of the Church
Image of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Dominican priest and Doctor of the Church

By Edward Matulanya 

Discover Saint Thomas Aquinas, Dominican priest and Doctor of the Church, whose teachings on faith and reason shape Roman Catholic theology today.

1. Saint Thomas Aquinas; Dominican Priest and Doctor of the Catholic Church

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) was a Dominican friar, ordained priest, and theologian whose teaching was declared universally authoritative when Pope Pius V named him a Doctor of the Church in 1567 (Catholic Church, 1997; Torrell, 2005; Weisheipl, 1983). For example, his Dominican formation emphasized preaching, communal prayer, and theological study for the salvation of souls (Dominican Order, as cited in Torrell, 2005). The lesson is, the Church teaches that intellectual labor, when united to charity and prayer, becomes a path to sanctity (CCC, 1997; John Paul II, 1998).

2. Life of a Medieval Catholic Theologian; Who Was Saint Thomas Aquinas? 

Born to a noble family in Roccasecca, Italy, Aquinas renounced worldly advancement to follow Christ in religious life, reflecting Gospel poverty and obedience (Weisheipl, 1983; Mt 19:21; CCC, 1997). For example, his resistance to family pressure, including confinement, demonstrates heroic fidelity to vocation (Chesterton, 1933; Torrell, 2005). The lesson is, discipleship sometimes demands sacrifice of comfort and status for God’s will (Lk 9:23; CCC, 1997).

3. Saint Thomas Aquinas and His Role in Roman Catholic Theology

Aquinas provided systematic explanations of Catholic doctrine grounded in Sacred Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, and rational inquiry (Aquinas, 1265–1274/1981; Dei Verbum, Vatican II, 1965/2014). For example, his theology of grace and the sacraments remains foundational for catechesis and seminary formation (Council of Trent, 1563/2019). The lesson is, true theology serves the faith of the Church and remains obedient to the Magisterium (CCC, 1997; Benedict XVI, 2010).

4. Why Saint Thomas Aquinas Is Called the “Angelic Doctor”

The title Angelic Doctor reflects Aquinas’ purity of life, clarity of intellect, and profound teaching on angels and divine realities (Catholic Encyclopedia, 1912; Torrell, 2005). For example, his angelology in the Summa Theologiae remains the standard Catholic treatment of angelic nature and mission (Aquinas, 1265–1274/1981). The lesson is, purity of heart leads to spiritual understanding (Mt 5:8; CCC, 1997).

5. Saint Thomas Aquinas as a Doctor of the Church Explained

Doctors of the Church are saints whose teachings possess eminent doctrine, holiness, and universal relevance (Benedict XIV, 1754/2012; Catholic Church, 1997). For example, Thomas Aquinas is cited by name in numerous papal encyclicals and conciliar documents (Leo XIII, 1879/2011; John Paul II, 1998). The lesson is, the Holy Spirit raises teachers to safeguard and explain revealed truth (Jn 16:13; CCC, 1997).

6. The Priesthood and Religious Life of Saint Thomas Aquinas

As a priest, Aquinas lived a sacramental life centered on the Eucharist, prayer, and study (Torrell, 2005; CCC, 1997). For example, he composed liturgical texts for the Feast of Corpus Christi, including Pange Lingua and Adoro Te Devote (Aquinas, 1264/1981; Roman Missal, 2011). The lesson is, Priestly ministry flows from Eucharistic devotion (Jn 6:51; CCC, 1997).

7. Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Synthesis of Faith and Reason

Aquinas taught that faith perfects reason, and reason serves faith, since both originate in God (Aquinas, 1270/1981; Vatican I, 1870/2018). For example, he used Aristotelian philosophy to clarify theology without subordinating Revelation to philosophy (Gilson, 1956). The lesson is, Catholics are encouraged to pursue intellectual truth without fear (John Paul II, 1998; CCC, 1997).

8. Major Works of Saint Thomas Aquinas: Summa Theologiae Overview

The Summa Theologiae was written as a structured guide for students of theology, addressing God, creation, morality, Christ, and the sacraments (Aquinas, 1265–1274/1981; Torrell, 2005). For example, its question-and-article format models disciplined theological reasoning. The lesson is, clear structure aids the transmission of faith (CCC, 1997).

9. Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Teachings on God, Creation, and Natural Law

Aquinas taught that natural law reflects humanity’s participation in God’s eternal law (Aquinas, 1270/1981; Rom 2:14–15). For example, his moral philosophy explains universal ethical principles such as justice and respect for life (CCC, 1997; Veritatis Splendor, John Paul II, 1993). The lesson is, moral truth is accessible to reason and fulfilled in grace.

10. The Five Ways of Saint Thomas Aquinas; Proofs for the Existence of God

The Five Ways demonstrate God’s existence through motion, causation, contingency, degrees of perfection, and order (Aquinas, 1265–1274/1981). For example, the First Cause argument remains influential in Catholic philosophy (Gilson, 1956; Vatican I, 1870/2018). The lesson is, belief in God is rational and reasonable (Wis 13:1; CCC, 1997).

11. Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Influence on Roman Catholic Doctrine

Aquinas’ theology strongly influenced the Council of Trent and later magisterial teaching (Council of Trent, 1563/2019; Leo XIII, 1879/2011). For example, seminary education worldwide remains rooted in Thomistic theology. The lesson is, continuity in doctrine protects the integrity of faith (2 Thes 2:15).

12. Saint Thomas Aquinas and Catholic Moral Theology

Aquinas developed a virtue-centered moral theology integrating grace, reason, and free will (Aquinas, 1270/1981; CCC, 1997). For example, the theological virtues; faith, hope, and charity form the foundation of Christian life. The lesson is, holiness is cultivated through habitual virtue (Gal 5:22–23).

13. Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Contribution to Philosophy and Scholasticism

Aquinas perfected Scholasticism by harmonizing Christian revelation with classical philosophy (Gilson, 1956; Copleston, 1993). For example, his logical method clarified theological disputes across Europe. The lesson is, reason, rightly used, serves truth and unity.

14. Feast Day of Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church celebrates his feast on January 28 (Roman Martyrology, 2004). For example, Catholic universities and seminaries mark the day with Mass and academic lectures. The lesson is, Liturgical memory strengthens Catholic identity (CCC, 1997).

15. Why Saint Thomas Aquinas Is Patron Saint of Students and Universities

Pope Pius XI declared Aquinas patron of Catholic studies due to his exemplary intellectual holiness (Pius XI, 1923/2011). For example, numerous universities bear his name and follow his intellectual tradition. The lesson is, study is a form of discipleship when ordered to truth.

16. Canonization and Legacy of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Catholic History

Canonized in 1323, Aquinas’ teaching remains authoritative centuries later (Weisheipl, 1983; Catholic Church, 1997). For example, his writings are cited across centuries of Church teaching. The lesson is, truth grounded in God transcends time.

17. Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Importance for Modern Catholic Teaching

Modern popes consistently recommend Aquinas for addressing contemporary philosophical and theological challenges (John Paul II, 1998; Benedict XVI, 2010). For example, fides et Ratio presents Aquinas as a model thinker. The lesson is, Ancient wisdom remains relevant to modern faith.

18. Quotes of Saint Thomas Aquinas on Faith, Reason, and God

Near the end of his life, Aquinas acknowledged the limits of human language before divine mystery (Torrell, 2005; Weisheipl, 1983). For example, “All that I have written seems like straw…” The lesson is, humility is the crown of wisdom (Sir 3:17).

References

Aquinas, T. (1981). Summa theologiae (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Christian Classics. (Original work written 1265–1274)

Aquinas, T. (1981). On the truth (De veritate). Hackett Publishing. (Original work written c. 1256–1259)

Aquinas, T. (1981). Compendium of theology. Christian Classics. (Original work written c. 1265)

Benedict XIV. (2012). De servorum Dei beatificatione et beatorum canonizatione. Vatican Press. (Original work published 1754)

Benedict XVI. (2010). Address to participants at the international Thomistic congress. Vatican Press.

Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Catholic Church. (2004). Roman martyrology. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Catholic Church. (2019). The Roman martyrology. Vatican Press.

Catholic Encyclopedia. (1912). St. Thomas Aquinas. Robert Appleton Company.

Chesterton, G. K. (1933). St. Thomas Aquinas: The dumb ox. Sheed & Ward.

Copleston, F. (1993). Aquinas. Penguin Books.

Council of Trent. (2019). Decrees of the ecumenical councils (N. Tanner, Ed.). Georgetown University Press. (Original work published 1545–1563)

Gilson, É. (1956). The Christian philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas. Random House.

John Paul II. (1993). Veritatis splendor. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

John Paul II. (1998). Fides et ratio. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Leo XIII. (2011). Aeterni Patris. Vatican Press. (Original work published 1879)

Pius XI. (2011). Studiorum ducem. Vatican Press. (Original work published 1923)

Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship. (2011). Roman Missal (3rd ed.). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Second Vatican Council. (2014). Dei verbum (Dogmatic constitution on divine revelation). Vatican Press. (Original work published 1965)

Torrell, J.-P. (2005). Saint Thomas Aquinas: The person and his work (Vol. 1). Catholic University of America Press.

Vatican Council I. (2018). Dei Filius. Vatican Press. (Original work published 1870)

Weisheipl, J. A. (1983). Friar Thomas d’Aquino: His life, thought, and work. Catholic University of America Press.

The Holy Bible. (2011). New American Bible, revised edition. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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