Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas was born into a noble family at Roccasecca Castle in the Kingdom of Sicily. His parents, Landulph and Theodora, were members of the aristocracy and provided him with a privileged upbringing.

At the age of five, Thomas was sent to the Benedictine monastery school at Monte Cassino for his early education, where he received a rigorous classical and religious training.

Thomas moved to the University of Naples for his higher education, where he was exposed to a wide range of philosophical and theological ideas, including the works of Aristotle.

Against his family's wishes, Thomas joined the Dominican Order, a mendicant religious order known for its commitment to preaching and scholarly pursuits.

Thomas was sent to Paris to study under Albert the Great, a leading theologian and philosopher of the time, at the University of Paris. This marked the beginning of his formal theological training.

Thomas began his teaching career at the University of Paris, where he lectured on the Bible and theology. His lectures were known for their clarity and depth, attracting many students and scholars.

Thomas was ordained as a priest by the Dominican Order, solidifying his role as a spiritual and intellectual leader within the Church.

Thomas was appointed as the Regent Master in Theology at the University of Rome (La Sapienza), where he continued his teaching and writing, influencing a new generation of scholars.

Thomas began his magnum opus, the 'Summa Theologica,' a comprehensive synthesis of Christian theology and philosophy. This work would become one of the most influential texts in Western thought.

Thomas founded the Studium Generale (a precursor to the modern university) in Naples, where he continued to teach and write, fostering a community of learning and intellectual exchange.

Thomas Aquinas died while on his way to the Council of Lyon. He fell ill and was taken to the Cistercian abbey at Fossanova, where he received the last rites and passed away.