Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas

Today, January 28th, is the Feast Day of St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of the University of Santo Tomas. He was born in 1225 at Roccasecca in what is present day southern Italy, of noble origins. His family was considered powerful in the prevalent feudal system, by virtue of their relationship to the German Emperor. As a student, he was very quiet and humble. As a theologian, Aquinas wrote extensively of the truths of the faith. His greatest contribution, the Summa Theologiae, is a compendium of all the doctrines of the Catholic faith, explaining the philosophy of “handmaid of theology.”

We celebrate the Feast Day of St. Thomas by sharing with you his “Student’s Prayer.”

Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, true source of light and fountain of wisdom! Pour forth your brilliance upon my dense intellect, dissipate the darkness which covers me, that of sin and of ignorance.

Grant me a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself. Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion.

This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever. Amen.