St Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest theologians and philosophers in Christian history, is celebrated on 28 January by the Catholic Church. This date is not chosen at random: it is closely linked to a significant event in the history of his canonisation and devotion to this extraordinary saint. To fully understand why this date was chosen, it is essential to delve into his life, his death and his lasting influence on the Church.
The life of Saint Thomas Aquinas: A journey of holiness and learning
Born in 1225 into a noble family in Roccasecca, southern Italy, Thomas Aquinas showed exceptional intelligence and deep piety from an early age. He joined the Dominican order despite his family's resistance, choosing a life of poverty, prayer and teaching. During his academic career, he taught at several prestigious universities, notably in Paris and Naples, and wrote fundamental works for theology and philosophy, such as the Summa Theologica and the Summa contra Gentiles.
Throughout his life, Thomas sought to reconcile faith and reason, demonstrating that these two human dimensions are not contradictory but complementary. His profound and structured thought earned him the nickname "Angelic Doctor". He died on 7 March 1274, on his way to the Second Council of Lyon, aged just 49. His premature death left a huge void in the intellectual and spiritual world of his time.
A rapid canonisation and transfer of relics
After his death, Thomas Aquinas was quickly recognised as a saint. His writings, humility and holiness of life inspired many of the faithful. Pope John XXII canonised him on 18 July 1323, less than fifty years after his death, recognising in him a model of intellectual and spiritual excellence.
The link with the date of 28 January can be explained by an event subsequent to his canonisation: the transfer of his relics. In 1369, his remains were moved from the Cistercian monastery of Fossanova, where he had died, to the Jacobins church in Toulouse, a city with a strong Dominican tradition. This transfer, known as the translation of the relics, took place on 28 January and was considered a major event for the Dominican order and for the Church in general.
To honour this event, the Church chose this date as the liturgical feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
A symbolic choice: The memory and legacy of Saint Thomas
The celebration of 28 January highlights several important aspects of the life and legacy of Saint Thomas Aquinas:
1. A recognition of his role in the Church
By establishing his feast day on the day of the translation of his relics, the Church underlines the importance of Saint Thomas not only as a theologian, but also as a model saint. His holiness lay not only in his writings or his intellect, but in his deep faith, his life of prayer and his commitment to the truth.
2. A feast linked to the glory of God
The tradition of transferring the relics of a saint was, in the Middle Ages, a solemn event that brought together many of the faithful and marked an occasion to glorify God. By honouring the memory of Saint Thomas on 28 January, the Church is inviting Christians to reflect on how this saint glorified God through his life and work.
3. A date that goes beyond the local context
Although the translation took place in Toulouse, Saint Thomas Aquinas is recognised as a universal saint. He is the patron saint of universities, Catholic schools, students and philosophers. The choice of 28 January for his feast day underlines his global and timeless influence.
The significance of the liturgical feast
On 28 January, the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Thomas Aquinas with a special Mass and prayers. This feast is an opportunity to meditate on his teachings, particularly his insistence on the union of faith and reason. The readings and prayers of the liturgy often highlight his devotion to the Eucharist, his love of truth and his vocation to teach.
Liturgical texts
The first reading is often taken from the book of Wisdom, reflecting Thomas's quest for divine wisdom.
The Gospel recalls the call to love God with all one's heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37), a commandment that Thomas exemplified in his life.
An enduring legacy
St Thomas Aquinas remains a central figure in Christian theology and philosophy. His writings continue to be studied in seminaries, universities and schools around the world. Pope Leo XIII, in 1879, even proclaimed Thomas's thought as the foundation of Catholic theological teaching, emphasising its relevance for all generations.
The feast of 28 January is therefore not just a time to remember a saint of the past, but an invitation to deepen our own faith and engage in a sincere search for truth. It reminds us that the intellect, when enlightened by faith, can lead us to a deeper knowledge of God and a greater love for him.
Conclusion: 28 January, a date with meaning
The celebration of Saint Thomas Aquinas on 28 January is much more than a simple tribute to a historical figure. It is a reminder of the importance of faith, reason and holiness in our lives. Through his example, we are called to seek the truth with humility, to cultivate our intelligence as a gift from God and to live each day in union with him.
Saint Thomas, through his life, writings and intercession, continues to be a light for the Church and for all those who seek to know and love God better. To celebrate his feast day on 28 January is to celebrate the extraordinary witness of a man who devoted his entire life to glorifying God through study, prayer and love.
