On a poignant anniversary, the Catholic Church gathers to honor one of its most esteemed figures, St. Thomas Aquinas, marking 750 years since his passing. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, leads the commemoration, encapsulating the profound influence of Aquinas’s work.
“For the love of you, O Lord, I have studied, I have kept vigil, I have worked, I have preached and taught,” these were the words with which St. Thomas Aquinas encapsulated his life’s purpose. His dedication to philosophical and theological inquiry not only shaped the Church’s understanding but continues to inspire millions.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin highlighted the immense value of Aquinas’s contributions, stating, “Truly formidable, extraordinary, is the legacy that St. Thomas Aquinas has left us. A philosophical and theological legacy. For the Church and humanity, for each and every one of us, such a legacy constitutes a great grace from the Lord, and we must be particularly grateful for it.”
In the quaint town of Priverno, not far from Rome, the faithful and scholars alike gathered to remember Aquinas. The local co-cathedral became the epicenter for this historic event, with Father Alessandro Trani noting the strong devotion of the locals to St. Thomas, “A great Saint who, with his simplicity, entered into the profound depth of the mystery of God.”
Aquinas’s final days were spent at the Fossanova Abbey, where, according to accounts, he experienced a profound revelation during Mass, which led him to cease writing. Cardinal Parolin reflected on this transformative moment, emphasizing Aquinas’s shift in perception and the realization of his earthly works as “straw compared to what I have seen.”
This 750th anniversary not only commemorates Aquinas’s death but also celebrates his enduring legacy. Cardinal Parolin’s words remind us of the unbreakable bond between faith and reason, a harmony that St. Thomas Aquinas masterfully demonstrated through his life and works. As the Catholic Church pays homage to its Angelic Doctor, it reaffirms the significance of his teachings, offering spiritual and intellectual guidance for generations to come.
