SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, Priest and Doctor of the Church
January 28

Thomas, the son of Landulph, Count of Aquino, was placed under the care of the Benedictines of Monto Cassino when he was five years old. His teachers were surprised at the progress he made, in virtue as well as in learning. Despite the opposition of his family, Thomas decided to enter the Order of St. Dominic; because of his constancy in the face of temptation, God gave him the gift of perfect chastity. Thomas Aquinas became a priest and a great teacher. He wrote many books about the teachings of the Catholic Church. When Jesus asked Thomas what he wanted in return for having written well of Him, Thomas answered, “Lord, I want nothing else but You.” He died at the age of forty-seven, in the year 1274.
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