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700 years of Holiness
What does the 7th centenary of the canonization of St. Thomas Aquinas mean for the Angelicum?
As first to give Aquinas the title of “doctor communis,” the 14th century Dominican, Tolomeo da Lucca said, “This man is supreme among modern teachers of philosophy and theology and indeed in every subject. And such is the common view and opinion that nowadays in the University of Paris they call him the ‘common doctor’ because of the outstanding clarity of his teaching.”
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Today Aquinas’ teaching is officially required by canon law for sound preparation for the priesthood and the communication of the Gospel. On a personal note, his teaching on the primacy of God’s grace and insight into human nature has allowed me as a priest to share about how grace perfects our human nature and makes us more fully human, more fully who we truly are. It’s an attractive message for sharing the Faith.
The anniversary shows us that scholarship and excellence go hand in hand with holiness and fidelity. He was not just an academic, but a holy and faithful Dominican. His life inspires our university today to pray and meditate on the Mysteries of the Faith. The life of academia and the scientific study of philosophy and theology need not (and should not) be separated from a life of holiness.
In this issue, we celebrate the canonization of our heavenly patron and the influence he has on the entire world. We thank God for the rich tradition and intellectual treasure of the Angelicum of which you are a significant part.
In particular we count on your generosity to help us strengthen the influence of Aquinas in order to build up the Church and her missionary activity! Our 150 alumni cardinals and bishops, currently serving the Church throughout the world, are a significant influence, not to mention many thousands of priests, religious, and lay leaders.
Imagine that a Gift of $1,500 (EUR 1,385) / month provides a full-ride scholarship for room and board for a priest from the developing world for doctoral studies. Won’t you help us by giving the gift of education for the building up of the Church with sound theology? Please say a prayer for our mission.
