Patron of Schools

We remember St. Thomas Aquinas, also patron against thunder storms because he was spared from a lightning bolt which killed his sister who was in the same room as he.  Known also as "the dumb ox" because of his huge size and quiet ways, one of his professors, however is quoted as saying, "We call him the dumb ox, but someday his lowing will be heard around the world."  As so it is; his theological writings, especially his famous Summa Theologicae, have been used in seminaries for centuries and he stands out prominently among scholastic and modern theologians  Yet, it was not only his cerebral prowess that made him so renowned and listed among the 35 Doctors of the Church, but also his piety and contemplative side that brought him to sainthood. We owe the familiar hymns, Adoro Te Devote and Pange Lingua to him. So much did he love the Eucharist that would experience ecstasy while offering Holy Mass, and toward the end of his life, he had a revelation that caused him to stop working on his Summa, with the famous quote, All that I have written is but straw compared to what has been revealed to me."  He died of a serious illness at the age of 50.
His life inspires us to seek wisdom and understanding as well as to use that knowledge to enhance our spiritual lives.  St. Thomas give us a love of learning, but an even greater love of God.
Bro. Rene