Sunday, 28th January is the Feast Day of Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of our Faction Saints.
Thomas Aquinas was born in Italy in 1225, the youngest son of a wealthy family. He began his studies at 5 years of age. When he reached university, it is believed that he was introduced to philosophical influences and he also met John of St Julian, a Dominican preacher whose influence led Thomas to join the Dominican Order.
When his mother heard of his plans she was not happy and she arranged for his transfer to Paris. When Thomas was travelling to Rome, his brothers captured him and returned him to his family home, where he was held captive for one year as his family tried to convince him not to join the Dominicans. After realising that she would not be able to convince him, his mother arranged a secret escape for him through the window and Thomas completed his studies.
Thomas went on to become a professor, lecturing in Old Testament and competed further study in Theology. During this time, Thomas wrote many papers and books on Scripture, Theology and Philosophy before being appointed general preacher. In 1265 he was summoned to Rome to become the papal theologian. In 1274 Thomas was called to the Second Council of Lyon; however, on the way hit his head on the branch of a fallen tree and fell ill. After recovering from this, he then became unwell again and died on March 7, 1274.
Saint Thomas Aquinas was canonised in 1323 by Pope John XXII.
St Dominic’s School Leadership Team